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Microbursts Induced by Thunderstorms

Microburst is the most violent form of downdraft from a thunderstorm. It is characterized by an intense and localized descent of cool air, causing a sudden outflow of horizontal winds above the ground with a typical horizontal extent of a few kilometres. An aircraft flying through a microburst may first encounter an increasing headwind and lift, then a downdraft from above the aircraft, followed by an increasinig tailwind and sink. To overcome the adverse effect of the microburst, the pilot needs to take timely corrective action to ensure aircraft safety.

windshear induced by microbursts