A microburst is a localized column of sinking air (downdraft) within a thunderstorm and is usually less than or equal to 2.5 miles in diameter. Microbursts can cause extensive damage at the …

Microburst, pattern of intense winds that descends from rain clouds, hits the ground, and fans out horizontally. Microbursts are short-lived, usually lasting from about 5 to 15 minutes, and they …

Jul 24, 2025 · A downburst of winds from a decaying thunderstorm is considered a “microburst” if the width of the damaging winds is 2.5 miles or less, with winds that persist for 15 minutes or …

Sep 19, 2025 · A microburst is defined as a powerful localized downdraft created by a column of fast-sinking air through the base of a storm cloud, which spreads out horizontally upon hitting …

6 days ago · A microburst is defined as a small-scale, intense column of sinking air, or a downdraft, which originates within a thunderstorm or rain cloud. When this column of air hits …

A microburst is essentially a smaller-scale downdraft with significant destructive potential. These microbursts involve a burst of sinking air that drops from the heart of a thunderstorm toward …

Feb 15, 2025 · During a thunderstorm, you might experience a powerful blast of air rushing straight down, slamming into the ground, and spreading out in all directions. That’s a …

Oct 1, 2025 · Microbursts are caused by downdrafts within a thunderstorm. During a storm, air and water droplets become suspended in an updraft high up in the clouds. The stronger the …

Oct 14, 2025 · But what is a microburst? A microburst happens when there is a rapid descent of cold and dense air at the core of the thunderstorm. This happens if the thunderstorm draws in …

A downburst seen in Phoenix, Arizona. Illustration of a microburst at an airport. The air moves in a downward motion until it hits the surface. It then spreads outward in all directions. The wind …