A microburst is a localized column of sinking air (downdraft) within a thunderstorm and is usually less than or equal to 2.5 miles in diameter. Microbursts can cause extensive damage at the surface, and in some instances, can be life-threatening.

A microburst is a downdraft (sinking air) in a thunderstorm that is less than 2.5 miles in scale. Some microbursts can pose a threat to life and property, but all microbursts pose a significant threat to aviation.

Microburst, pattern of intense winds that descends from rain clouds, hits the ground, and fans out horizontally. Microbursts are short-lived, usually lasting from about 5 to 15 minutes, and they are relatively compact, usually affecting an area of 1 to 3 km (about 0.5 to 2 miles) in diameter.

Jun 22, 2024 · Microbursts: These are small downbursts with an affected area less than or equal to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in diameter. Despite their size, microbursts produce intense winds potentially exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h).

Feb 1, 2024 · Microbursts are caused by downdrafts within a thunderstorm. During a storm, air and water droplets become suspended in an updraft high up in the clouds. The stronger the updraft is, the higher the moisture and air are push, and the colder they become.

Jan 30, 2025 · Wind speeds within a microburst can top out at 100 mph, which is equivalent to an EF1 tornado. That’s why it’s extremely important to take every severe thunderstorm warning seriously.

Sep 7, 2023 · A microburst is essentially a smaller-scale downdraft with significant destructive potential. These microbursts involve a burst of sinking air that drops from the heart of a thunderstorm toward the ground.

May 27, 2024 · A microburst is a small-scale, localized, intense downdraft during a thunderstorm. Spanning an area of fewer than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) in diameter and lasting for only a few minutes, microbursts produce strong, damaging winds that can reach speeds of over 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour).

Oct 10, 2023 · Microbursts, ever heard of them? These are intense, localized columns of sinking air that occur within thunderstorms. Imagine a water balloon bursting mid-air; that’s how microbursts behave. They’re invisible to the naked eye, making them a hidden danger in the sky.

Sep 18, 2023 · A microburst is a sudden and powerful downdraft of air that occurs during thunderstorms, posing significant risks to aviation and ground-based structures. It can cause rapid changes in wind speed and direction, resulting in severe turbulence.