A downburst is a powerful, localized downdraft from a thunderstorm that hits the ground and spreads outward in straight-line winds, often surpassing typical wind speeds and capable of causing damage similar to a tornado but with winds that radiate from a central point rather than rotating.
Key points
- Definition and characteristics
- A downburst forms when rapidly descending air reaches the surface and fans out in all directions, producing strong straight-line winds that can exceed 240 km/h (150 mph) in extreme cases. This outward wind pattern distinguishes it from the rotational winds of tornadoes.
- Types and durations
- Downbursts are associated with severe thunderstorms and are typically short-lived, though the resulting damage can be concentrated over a relatively small area. They can occur as microbursts (smaller scale) or macrobursts (larger scale).
- Distinction from tornadoes
- Tornado damage is typically concentric around a rotating vortex, whereas downburst damage radiates outward from the impact point due to straight-line winds. This distinction is important for meteorologists and emergency managers when assessing weather-related damage.
- Safety and awareness
- Understanding downbursts helps in aviation safety, as the strong horizontal winds near the surface can affect aircraft during takeoff and landing, and in preparation for severe weather events.
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