Cloudburst is an instantaneous and heavy rainfall phenomenon that causes catastrophic flooding within a very short period of time. Cloudburst typically takes place in hilly or mountainous terrain, but can happen even in urban areas where drainage is inadequate. Knowing about a cloud burst and why it occurs is crucial for disaster control and environmental consciousness.

What is a Cloud Burst

A cloudburst is a high intensity of precipitation over a short time span, which may be associated with hail and thunder. It is usually characterized by over 100 mm of rain in an hour at a focal point. The downpour may result in flash floods, landslides, and extensive damage, particularly in susceptible regions.

Cloudbursts are not heavy rain alone; they are powerful, concentrated, and extremely dangerous. Usually, they last only 15 to 30 minutes but deposit a tremendous amount of water, which the ground cannot soak fast. Therefore, water flows quickly down slopes or streets and carries away anything along with it.

Why Does a Cloud Burst Occur

Cloudbursts result from a number of meteorological and geographical reasons. The primary causes are:

1. Orographic Lifting:

In mountain areas, warm air becomes rapidly lifted by the natural incline of the ground. As the air ascends, it cools and condenses into clouds. When the water-laden clouds can hold the water no more, they suddenly dump it in the form of a cloudburst.

2. High Moisture Content:

When there is too much humidity in the atmosphere, and the wind systems confine the moisture into a limited area, it accumulates to such an extent that the clouds release an outburst of heavy rain.

3. Atmospheric Instability:

Weather instability, including the meeting of warm and cold air masses, can bring about thunderclouds (cumulonimbus clouds), which are usually the cause of cloudbursts.

4. Urban Heat and Pollution (in urban areas):

In cities, heat and pollution induce low-pressure areas over localized areas, which pull in moist air and induce sudden rains. Less severe than hill-zone cloudbursts, they may still lead to flash floods.

Effect of Cloud Bursts

Cloudbursts have disastrous consequences:

Flash floods destroying houses, roads, and agriculture.

Landslides on hill slopes.

Losses of life and property.

Destruction of communications and transport.

Some of the examples are the Leh cloudburst (2010) in India and the recurring cloudbursts in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Can Cloudbursts Be Foreseen

Presently, it is difficult to foresee a cloudburst precisely. Nevertheless, weather satellites, Doppler radars, and forecast models enable meteorologists to issue warnings when conditions are ripe for such events.