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Low-level wind shear is commonly associated with which of these?

Passing fronts and thunderstorms, plus temperature inversions and strong winds aloft.

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  1. Calm, clear afternoons under high pressure
  2. Light winds under 5 knots
  3. Passing fronts and thunderstorms ✔

Why: Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a small area. Near the ground it is commonly tied to passing fronts, thunderstorms, temperature inversions and strong upper winds.

Huh, didn't know that: A tailwind that quickly turns into a headwind briefly increases airspeed and performance.

The dad joke
Why did the wind shear get kicked out of the barber shop? It kept changing directions.
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References

Answer: Passing fronts and thunderstorms. Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a small area. Near the ground it is commonly tied to passing fronts, thunderstorms, temperature inversions and strong upper winds.

  1. Remote Pilot sUAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22), Chapter 3b www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
    Low-level wind shear is commonly associated with passing frontal systems, thunderstorms, temperature inversions, and strong upper level winds (greater than 25 knots).
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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