What is a microburst?

A microburst is characterized by intense downdrafts that can occur during severe thunderstorms and can result in significant wind direction changes. This meteorological phenomenon involves a concentrated area where air rapidly descends from the storm cloud to the ground, subsequently spreading out horizontally upon contact with the surface. The resulting winds can be extremely powerful, often reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour in some cases. Microbursts can pose significant dangers, especially to aircraft during takeoff and landing, impacting their performance and control.

The key aspect that identifies a microburst is the combination of strong downdrafts and the rapidly changing wind directions, which can lead to turbulence and dangerous conditions for pilots and other individuals. This distinction from other weather events helps reinforce the understanding of microbursts and their impact on aviation and weather forecasting.