Definition: A microburst is an intense downpour of rain. Often called a downburst, these short-lived, but often intense storms typically last for under 10 minutes and are concentrated into an area of less than 2.5 miles. Microbursts can cause property damage because of their intense wind shear. Winds from aloft cool and descend (downdrafts) and make contact with the ground. The air then spreads, often with intense power, in all directions. The National Weather Service indicates that up to 5% of all thunderstorms have microbursts.
WW2010 University of Illinois
NWS Microbursts and Downbursts
More Resources on Microbursts
- Diagram of a Microburst Downdraft
- A Handbook for the Visual Identification of Microbursts
- Animation of a Microburst Event (NOTE: The animation does not play automatically. You must continually click on the picture)
- Photos of a Dry Microburst in Nebraska
- Excellent PowerPoint@ Presentation on Microbursts
- Dry Microbursts In areas prone to virga precipitation may not reach the ground, but winds can still descend from aloft at speeds similar to a moderate tornado. These dry thunderstorms can be particularly dangerous to aircraft.
- Wet Microbursts When precipitation does reach the ground, the blast of rain and wind is called a wet microburst.
WW2010 University of Illinois
NWS Microbursts and Downbursts
Also Known As: downburst, wind shear
