Weather Tidbits: Microbursts

This edition of Weather Tidbits will be discussing what a microburst is. A microburst is a localized column of sinking air known as a downdraft that rushes out of a thunderstorm. This can produce very strong winds that can cause extensive damage within the span of just a couple of miles. These winds can exceed over 150 mph. Microbursts can occur when drier air enters the storm cloud. This causes hydrometers like raindrops and hailstones in the cloud to evaporate and cool the surrounding air. Thus, the air becomes denser. The denser and cooler air eventually cannot be supported by the thunderstorm’s updraft and accelerates down toward the ground. The air slams onto the surface and is forced outward as it spreads in all directions. This is what causes the destructive winds.