macroburst

meteorology

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July 16, 2026

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A macroburst is an intense downdraft from rain clouds that hits the ground and spreads out horizontally. It is larger than a microburst, with a diameter exceeding 4 km (2.5 miles), and can generate winds up to 215 km/h (135 mph). Macrobursts, like microbursts, are often associated with thunderstorms and can cause significant damage on the ground. They pose a serious hazard to aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing, due to the abrupt changes in wind speed and direction they create, known as wind shear. In dry environments, the rain may evaporate before reaching the ground, resulting in a dry macroburst with no visible precipitation.1

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thunderstorm
Downbursts
…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 60 metres per second, or 215 km per hour (200 feet per second, or 135 miles per hour). A microburst…
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…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 60 metres per second, or 215 km per hour (200 feet per second, or 135 miles per hour). A microburst…
Read More