downburst

meteorology

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July 16, 2026

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A downburst is a powerful downdraft, typically from a thunderstorm, that strikes the ground and spreads out in all directions. These downdrafts are classified as macrobursts (over 4 km in diameter) or microbursts (smaller) based on their size. Microbursts, though smaller, can produce extremely high winds, up to 270 km per hour.12

Downbursts can occur with or without rain. In dry environments, precipitation may evaporate before reaching the ground, creating a dry downburst. In humid areas, they are often accompanied by intense rainfall. These intense and sudden wind shifts, known as wind shear, pose a significant hazard to aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing. The existence of microbursts was first identified in 1974 by meteorologist T. Theodore Fujita.23

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thunderstorm
Downbursts
Sometimes thunderstorms will produce intense downdrafts that create damaging winds on the ground. These downdrafts are referred to as macrobursts or microbursts, depending on their size. A macroburst is more than 4 km (2.5 miles) in diameter and can produce winds as high as…
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Sometimes thunderstorms will produce intense downdrafts that create damaging winds on the ground. These downdrafts are referred to as macrobursts or microbursts, depending on their size. A macroburst is more than 4 km (2.5 miles) in diameter and can produce winds as high as…
Read More

tropical cyclone
Gusts, downbursts, and swirls
In addition to tornadoes, tropical cyclones generate other localized damaging winds. When a tropical cyclone makes landfall, surface friction decreases wind speed but increases turbulence; this allows fast-moving air aloft to be transported down to the surface, thereby increasing the strength of…
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In addition to tornadoes, tropical cyclones generate other localized damaging winds. When a tropical cyclone makes landfall, surface friction decreases wind speed but increases turbulence; this allows fast-moving air aloft to be transported down to the surface, thereby increasing the strength of…
Read More