A cloudburst is a weather event that occurs when an extreme amount of rain is suddenly released from the clouds. It can lead to flooding. The emotions that accompany grief will from time to time flood us with intense and frequent "griefbursts." These commonly occur in the middle of the first year of a loss.

This flood can be a shock. It usually happens when our feelings of numbness decrease and our emotions start to thaw. Over time, the number and severity of griefbursts usually lessen. Some memories, difficult occasions or special times such as births and weddings can trigger powerful griefbursts long after the death.