Downbursts

Strong downdraughts or downbursts can occur with large convective storms, producing violent outflow winds that spread outward when hitting the ground. These winds are often referred to as microbursts. Strong downbursts that extend more than 4 km from the storm are called macrobursts.

Although downdraughts often develop deep in the cloud, the risks to aircraft are greatest below cloud base, where significant wind shear may be present.

Graphical depiction of the effect of a microburst on a landing aircraft