ClimateAugust 21, 2026

cloudbursts

CLOUD-burts

Definition

A sudden, extremely heavy rainfall that occurs over a short period of time.

Etymology

The word originated in the mid-19th century as a compound of 'cloud' and 'burst,' literally describing the meteorological phenomenon as if a cloud had suddenly broken open to release all its water at once.

In the news

The article mentions cloudbursts as one of the specific extreme weather events contributing to the destruction and loss of life during the 2026 monsoon season in Pakistan.

Climate change, floods and governance failure

Read the full article ↗

Pakistan Observer

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