Cloudburst - is it part of Global Warming & Climate Change
A cloudburst is a large amount of precipitation in a short period, sometimes accompanied by hail and thunder, that can cause flooding. Cloudbursts may rapidly drop massive volumes of water, for example, 25 mm of precipitation equals 25,000 metric tonnes per square kilometer (1 inch corresponds to 72,300 short tonnes over one square mile). Cloudbursts, on the other hand, are uncommon because they occur only when there is an orographic lift or when a warm air parcel combines with colder air, resulting in quick condensation. A huge volume of runoff from higher elevations is sometimes confused with a cloudburst. The name "cloudburst" originates from the idea that clouds, like water balloons, may burst, causing quick precipitation.
Previous Cloudburst Events reported in India
- A cloudburst was recorded from Tehri and Chamoli districts in Uttarakhand on May 12, 2021. There had been no substantial casualties or damage.
- Cloudburst strikes Hunzar hamlet in Dachhan region of Kishtwar district on July 28, 2021, killing 26 people and injuring 17.
- A cloudburst happened above Pethanaickenpalayam town in Salem district, Tamil Nadu, on October 20, 2021. This produced 213 mm of rain in a single day. Ponds in the vicinity overflowed, as did the Thennakudipalayam lake. The Vasishta Nadi overflowed, filling the Attur check dam with water. There were no recorded damages.
- Cloudburst happened on July 8, 2022, en way to the Amarnath cave temple.
Where are the areas Cloudburst possible?
- Cloudbursts are particularly prevalent in hilly regions. This is most likely due to the fact that the warm air currents of a thunderstorm tend to follow the upward slope of a mountain. Heavy rain has a particularly dramatic effect on mountain slopes because the falling water is concentrated in valleys and gulleys. Mountain cloudbursts generate devastating floods. Only speculation can be made about rainfall intensity during the most extreme cloudbursts.
How is cloudburst formed?
- When a strong upward circulation of heated air stops concentrated raindrops from descending to the earth, a cloudburst forms. These previously formed raindrops ascend and grow in size, while smaller droplets develop at lower elevations. As a result, large volumes of water collect in the atmosphere and are abruptly released as precipitation when the upward currents decrease and the clouds can no longer retain them.
Conclusion on Cloudburst
- Climate change has brought a lot of changes to the world and we really don't know the real cause or effect until it's proven. We will wait for the experts to comment on the statement made by KCR. However, every citizen needs to understand the impact of Climate change and see how each one can contribute towards reducing the carbon footprint on our mother earth.