Kochi: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the intense rainfall event in Kalamassery-Thrikkakara on May 28 was indeed a cloudburst. This comes after much debate on social media regarding the possibility of such an event. Data from two automatic weather stations (AWS) at Cusat and Kalamassery confirmed the occurrence, with 103mm of rainfall recorded in one hour.
A cloudburst, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization, occurs when a station receives 10cm of rainfall in a one-hour duration. The IMD’s statement detailed that on the morning of May 28, the AWS at the Advanced Center for Atmospheric Radar Research on the Cusat campus in Thrikkakara recorded 103mm of rainfall in one hour. Simultaneously, a nearby AWS in Kalamassery, operated by the IMD, reported 100mm of rain during the same timeframe (09:30-10:30 IST).
“Such heavy rainfall within such a short period is classified as a cloudburst,” the IMD stated. “Cloudbursts are typically small-scale weather phenomena, both in space and time, often occurring in hilly areas of the Western Ghats, especially during active monsoon conditions.”
The IMD noted that there were insufficient observatories in the past to detect and classify many such events accurately. However, historical data suggests that similar events have occurred previously in Kerala. For instance, on March 26, 2010, a self-recording rain gauge at the Meteorological Centre in Thiruvananthapuram recorded 92mm of rainfall in one hour (21:00-22:00). This indicates that while this may be a significant event, it is not unprecedented in Kerala’s meteorological history. A source at the Advanced Center for Atmospheric Radar Research confirmed that their facility had meticulously recorded the entire event for further research purposes. The recorded data will aid in understanding the dynamics of cloudbursts and improving predictive models for such extreme weather events.
The confirmation of this cloudburst highlights the need for advanced monitoring and research to better understand and predict such extreme weather occurrences. Enhanced infrastructure and increased observation points could significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather predictions, thereby helping mitigate the impact of such events on the population. As the monsoon season progresses, the IMD advises continuous monitoring and preparedness to handle potential extreme weather events, ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in susceptible regions.
