All phenomena
Invisible downdrafts that can destroy aircraft
Invisible wind attacks with instant KO potential!
The science
Evaporative cooling in a thunderstorm causes air to become denser and crash to the ground, spreading out radially upon impact.
How to spot it
Look for a localized area of rain or virga beneath a thunderstorm with a sudden starburst of dust or debris at the surface. Pilots watch for rapid airspeed changes on approach.
Where
Common in the US Great Plains, Desert Southwest, and anywhere strong thunderstorms develop. Also frequent in tropical regions.
Best season
Peak thunderstorm season: late spring through summer (May-September in temperate latitudes).
Famous encounter
Delta Flight 191 (1985) crashed due to a microburst, leading to modern wind shear detection systems.
- ▸Wind speeds can exceed 150 mph in seconds
- ▸Create divergent wind patterns spreading outward
- ▸Responsible for multiple aviation disasters
- ▸Can flip semi-trucks and level buildings