Hydrometeor loading is the induced drag effects on the atmosphere from a falling hydrometeor. When falling at terminal velocity, the value of this drag is equal to grh, where g is the acceleration due to gravity and rh is the mixing ratio of the hydrometeors. Hydrometeor loading has a net-negative effect on the atmospheric buoyancy equations.[1] As the hydrometeor falls toward the surface, the surrounding air provides resistance against the acceleration due to gravity, and the air in the vicinity of the hydrometeor becomes denser.[2] The increased weight of the atmosphere can support a present downdraft or even cause a downdraft to occur.[3] Hydrometeor loading can also lead to increased high pressure inside of a mesohigh in a thunderstorm.[4]