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What kind of wind shear is a microburst?

A microburst is a strong, localized downdraft shear linked with a thunderstorm.

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  1. A downdraft shear ✔
  2. A steady tailwind
  3. A sea breeze

Why: Air in a microburst rushes downward and spreads outward near the ground. This creates sharp wind changes in a small area.

Huh, didn't know that: Microbursts are especially important to pilots because they can occur near airports during thunderstorms.

The dad joke
Why is a microburst bad at keeping secrets? It lets everything rush out!
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References

Answer: A downdraft shear. Air in a microburst rushes downward and spreads outward near the ground. This creates sharp wind changes in a small area.

  1. Civil Air Patrol, Journey of Flight Teacher's Guide www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    A microburst is a downdraft shear associated with a thunderstorm.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Flying & DronesFlying into a microburst, what does an aircraft usually meet first?Flying & DronesA microburst's downdrafts can reach about how fast?Flying & DronesAbout how wide is a microburst's downdraft as it comes down from the cloud?

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