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

About how wide is a microburst's downdraft as it comes down from the cloud?

Usually less than 1 mile across.

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  1. About 10 miles
  2. About 50 miles
  3. Less than 1 mile ✔

Why: A microburst is a small, strong blast of sinking air. The downdraft is usually under 1 mile wide, then spreads out to about 2.5 miles when it hits the ground.

Huh, didn't know that: The downdraft can push down as fast as 6,000 feet per minute.

The dad joke
Why was the microburst so small? It was just a little blow-hard.
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References

Answer: Less than 1 mile. A microburst is a small, strong blast of sinking air. The downdraft is usually under 1 mile wide, then spreads out to about 2.5 miles when it hits the ground.

  1. FAA Aeronautical Information Manual 7-1-24, Microbursts www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_1.html
    The microburst downdraft is typically less than 1 mile in diameter as it descends from the cloud base
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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