Cloudburst Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cloudburst

[ˈklaʊdbɜːrst ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

weather phenomenon

A cloudburst is a sudden, intense rainfall that typically lasts for a short period of time but can result in flash floods and other dangerous conditions. Cloudbursts are often associated with thunderstorms and can dump a large amount of precipitation in a localized area.

Synonyms

deluge, downpour, torrential rain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cloudburst	Used to describe a sudden, intense rainfall that happens in a very short period of time, often localized. A sudden cloudburst drenched the entire picnic area. The city experienced a cloudburst that caused flash flooding.
downpour	Refers to a heavy and continuous rainfall, but not necessarily as sudden as a cloudburst. We got caught in a heavy downpour on our way home. The downpour lasted for hours, leading to minor flooding in the streets.
deluge	Typically used to refer to an extensive flood caused by heavy rain; can also mean any overwhelming amount of something. The small town was hit by a deluge that left many houses underwater. After the announcement, there was a deluge of phone calls to the office.
torrential rain	Describes very heavy rain that falls rapidly and with great force, often leading to flooding. The torrential rain washed away the newly planted crops. The soccer match was canceled due to torrential rain.

Examples of usage

The cloudburst caused a sudden rise in the river levels.
Residents were caught off guard by the cloudburst and had to evacuate their homes.
The cloudburst led to road closures due to flooding.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Meteorology

Cloudbursts can happen in seconds and release a large amount of rain—up to several inches in just a short time.
These weather events are often associated with thunderstorms and can lead to flash flooding.
They are most common in mountainous regions where terrain can cause clouds to release their moisture rapidly.

Historical Origins

The term 'cloudburst' was first recorded in English in the late 19th century, illustrating a sudden downpour.
Before the modern term, similar phenomena were described with phrases like 'heavy rain' or 'deluge' in ancient texts.

Pop Culture

The term appears in literature and music, often used to evoke imagery of uncontrollable natural forces.
In movies, cloudbursts can symbolize emotional turmoil or dramatic change, connecting the weather to characters’ experiences.

Science

Cloudbursts are phenomenon studied in climate science to understand rainfall patterns and climate change impacts.
They are influenced by factors like temperature, humidity, and wind patterns, which scientists analyze to predict extreme weather.

Environmental Impact

Cloudbursts can significantly affect ecosystems, leading to rapid runoff that can erode soil and disrupt habitats.
The intense rainfall often leads to higher water levels in rivers and can cause landslides in vulnerable areas.

Origin of 'cloudburst'

The term 'cloudburst' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'cloud' and 'burst' to describe the sudden release of a large amount of rain from a cloud. Cloudbursts have been documented in various parts of the world, often causing significant damage due to the rapid and intense nature of the rainfall.