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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-microburst-duration

How long does a single microburst usually last after it hits the ground?

Seldom more than 15 minutes.

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  1. Seldom more than 15 minutes ✔
  2. Several hours
  3. About a full day

Why: Microbursts are short-lived. One rarely lasts more than 15 minutes from touchdown to fading away. The winds keep getting stronger for the first 5 minutes.

Huh, didn't know that: Their small size and short life make microbursts hard to detect with conventional weather radar.

The dad joke
Why did the microburst finish so quickly? It only had 15 minutes of energy.
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References

Answer: Seldom more than 15 minutes. Microbursts are short-lived. One rarely lasts more than 15 minutes from touchdown to fading away. The winds keep getting stronger for the first 5 minutes.

  1. FAA Aeronautical Information Manual 7-1-24, Microbursts www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_1.html
    An individual microburst will seldom last longer than 15 minutes from the time it strikes the ground until dissipation.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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