Add organization

What is a cloudburst (skybrud) in Denmark?

Short, local and very heavy rain

Answered at: Checked at:

Short answer

In Denmark a cloudburst (skybrud) means more than 15 mm of rain falling in 30 minutes somewhere within a warning area. Cloudburst warnings come in three levels: 15–25 mm in 30 minutes is level 1, 25–35 mm is level 2, and more than 35 mm is level 3. Cloudbursts are very local, so most people in a warned area will not get one themselves. Heavy rain is a separate warning, from 25 mm in 6 hours or 30 mm in 24 hours.

Weather and seasons

Why

  1. A lot of water falls in a very short time.
  2. There are three warning levels by the amount of rain.
  3. Only a small part of a warned area is usually hit.

Details

Cloudbursts are one of nine types of dangerous weather that DMI issues warnings for.

Tip

When a cloudburst is on its way, go indoors and check on your neighbours if you can do so safely.

What may differ

A warning covers a whole area, but the heaviest rain usually hits only a small part of it, so watch the radar on the day.

Common misconception

Any heavy downpour is a cloudburst.

What actually happens

It only counts as a cloudburst in Denmark when more than 15 mm falls in 30 minutes.

People also ask

  • What do DMI weather warnings mean?
  • What should you do during a cloudburst?
  • When is a storm a storm in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the DMI forecast before you travel.

Weather and seasons
Help