Cloudbursts are extreme weather events that involve sudden, intense rainfall in a short period of time — often leading to flash floods. These powerful rainstorms usually occur during the monsoon season and can be devastating, especially in mountainous and hilly regions.
How Does a Cloudburst Happen?
A cloudburst happens when a warm current of air rises rapidly from the ground into the atmosphere. This upward rush pulls raindrops with it, suspending them inside the clouds. Instead of falling as normal rain, the drops are carried upward again and again, speeding up the evaporation and condensation cycle.
As the number of raindrops inside the cloud increases beyond what the cloud can hold, all that moisture is suddenly released in one massive downpour — a cloudburst.
How Much Rainfall Counts as a Cloudburst?
- Pakistan Meteorological Department: A cloudburst is recorded when 200 mm or more of rain falls in one hour in a small area.
- Indian Meteorological Department: Defines a cloudburst as 100 mm or more of rain in an hour within an area of 30 square kilometers.
Imagine a bucket of water suddenly flipped upside down — that’s what a cloudburst feels like.
Where Do Cloudbursts Happen?
Cloudbursts mostly occur in mountainous regions during the monsoon season, such as:
- The Himalayas
- Northern Pakistan
- Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
However, urban cloudbursts are also being observed more frequently due to rapid urbanization and poor drainage systems.
Cloudbursts and Climate Change
Experts warn that cloudbursts are becoming more frequent and more intense due to climate change. Rising global temperatures are affecting the monsoon systems and increasing the chances of extreme weather events.
While cloudbursts were once considered rare, they are now a growing threat to both rural and urban populations. In the future, the intensity and frequency of these events are expected to rise, posing serious risks to infrastructure, agriculture, and human lives.
What Can Be Done?
Governments and local bodies need to:
- Improve early warning systems
- Strengthen flood preparedness
- Educate people about emergency response
- Encourage sustainable urban planning and climate action
Cloudbursts are not just freak events — they are warning signs from nature about the impact of climate change. Understanding how they work and being prepared can help reduce the loss of life and property.
