Exploring the Phenomenon of Cloudbursts

1. What is a Cloudburst?

A cloudburst refers to an extremely intense rainfall event occurring over a short duration and a small area. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), it is defined as 100 mm or more rainfall within one hour over a region of about 20–30 sq km.

Contrary to the literal meaning, clouds do not actually “burst.” The term signifies a sudden and heavy downpour resulting from rapid condensation and release of moisture due to atmospheric instability.

2. How Do Cloudbursts Form?

Formation Process:

• Moisture-laden monsoon winds rise upon encountering hilly or mountainous terrain.
• As the air ascends, it cools and condenses into clouds.
• When these clouds grow vertically into cumulonimbus clouds, they hold large amounts of water vapor.
• Rising warm air currents uplift the moisture further until it is suddenly released as a torrential downpour.
• The event may also include thunder, lightning, hail, and flash floods.

3. Which Regions in India Are Most Affected?

• The Western Ghats and Himalayan foothills are highly prone due to orographic lifting.
• States such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Maharashtra frequently experience cloudbursts.
• Major cities like Mumbai (2005) and Chennai (2015) have witnessed severe urban flooding events resembling cloudbursts.
• In Ladakh (2010), a deadly cloudburst caused flash floods and devastation even in the arid region.

4. Why Are Cloudbursts Hard to Predict?

• Cloudbursts are highly localized and short-lived, often forming within an hour.
• Their small spatial scale makes detection difficult using conventional weather radars.
• Although forecasting technology has advanced, real-time prediction remains challenging, especially in mountainous and remote areas.

5. Is Climate Change Making Them Worse?

• Rising global temperatures increase the moisture-holding capacity of the atmosphere.
• This leads to more frequent and intense rainfall events.
• Rapid urbanization, deforestation, and poor drainage systems worsen flood impacts.
• Studies link the growing frequency of cloudbursts to climate change and global warming.

6. What Can Be Done to Reduce Damage?

• Strengthen early warning systems and expand radar coverage in vulnerable regions.
• Develop disaster-resilient infrastructure in hilly and urban areas.
• Upgrade drainage and flood management systems in cities.
• Promote public awareness and community-level disaster preparedness to minimize loss of life and property.