Microbursts

A microburst is a sudden blast of powerful wind that comes down from a thunderstorm and hits the ground. When the air hits the ground, it spreads out in all directions very fast. Microbursts can cause damage similar to a tornado. They happen quickly and are hard to predict.

How Microbursts Form

Inside a thunderstorm, rain falls through the cloud. As the rain falls, it drags air down with it. Sometimes the rain evaporates before hitting the ground, which cools the air even more. This cold, heavy air rushes down very fast. When it hits the ground, it blasts outward with winds that can reach 150 miles per hour.

Wet and Dry Microbursts

There are two types of microbursts. A wet microburst comes with heavy rain. You can see the rain pouring down. A dry microburst happens when the rain evaporates before reaching the ground. The wind still hits hard, but there is little or no rain. Both types are dangerous.

Fun Facts

• A microburst usually covers an area less than 2.5 miles wide.
• Microbursts typically last less than 15 minutes.
• The damage pattern of a microburst is like a starburst, with things blown outward in all directions.

Did You Know?

Microbursts are especially dangerous for airplanes during takeoff and landing. After several airplane accidents in the 1970s and 1980s, airports installed special wind-detection equipment to warn pilots about microbursts!