Cloudbursts and Climate Change in Pakistan

Across the globe, climate change has intensified extreme weather events, making phenomena like heavy rainfall and storms more frequent. One such phenomenon gaining attention is the “cloudburst.”

What Is  Cloudburst?
Although the term suggests an “explosive cloud,” a cloudburst does not involve clouds actually bursting open. Instead, it refers to a sudden, intense rainfall—typically 100 millimeters or more within an hour—occurring over a small area. This rapid downpour can overwhelm local drainage systems, leading to flash floods and landslides.

Why Do Cloudbursts Occur?
Cloudbursts are primarily associated with mountainous regions, where warm, moisture-rich air ascends rapidly along slopes. As moist air rises and encounters colder air at higher altitudes, water vapor condenses into droplets. If the cloud cannot sustain the weight of these droplets, they fall suddenly as heavy rain.

Climate Change and Cloudbursts
While traditionally linked to mountains, climate change has increased the frequency of cloudbursts in plains and other regions. A rise of just one degree Celsius can cause the air to hold about 7% more moisture, heightening the likelihood of intense rainfall over small areas.

Impact on Pakistan
Pakistan, especially Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has experienced unusual and severe weather patterns recently. Heavy rains have led to the tragic loss of nearly 150 lives and injured hundreds, with economic damages yet to be fully assessed.

Events such as flash floods and landslides have been linked to cloudburst phenomena. For example, in 2021, Islamabad received 123 millimeters of rain in a short span, and recent floods in Swat have been attributed to such events.

The Rising Threat

Understanding and predicting cloudbursts remain difficult due to their sudden nature. However, increasing awareness and climate resilience strategies are essential to mitigate their devastating impacts on communities and infrastructure.