Wolkenbruch

Wolkenbruch is a German term meaning cloudburst. It commonly refers to a meteorological phenomenon of intense, localized rainfall resulting from a rapidly developing thunderstorm. The phrase derives from Wolken (clouds) and Bruch (burst).

A cloudburst occurs when warm, moist air rises quickly, forming towering cumulonimbus clouds and releasing large amounts of precipitation over a short period. The rainfall is typically heavy but short in duration, and it is often highly localized, which can lead to flash floods, road closures, and reduced visibility. Cloudbursts are usually associated with convective storms and humid air masses and can occur in various climates where atmospheric instability exists.

The term is used in German-language culture as well, where it can function as a metaphor for sudden disruption or dramatic change. In literature, film, and music, Wolkenbruch is sometimes employed as a title or motif to convey an abrupt turn in the plot or in a character’s life. Because of its vivid imagery, it is a common figure in meteorology, journalism, and cultural contexts when describing intense weather events or symbolic upheaval.