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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-microburst-dust-ring

What is often the only visible clue that a microburst is happening?

A ring of blowing dust on the ground, often with virga at the cloud base.

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  1. A rainbow under the cloud
  2. A ring of blowing dust on the ground ✔
  3. A sudden drop in temperature at your site

Why: Microbursts form when rain falls into dry air under a cloud. Rain streaks that evaporate before landing (virga) and a ring of dust kicked up below are often the only signs you can see.

Huh, didn't know that: Microbursts are tied to convective precipitation falling into dry air at the cloud base.

The dad joke
What did the dust say to the microburst? You really blow me away.
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References

Answer: A ring of blowing dust on the ground. Microbursts form when rain falls into dry air under a cloud. Rain streaks that evaporate before landing (virga) and a ring of dust kicked up below are often the only signs you can see.

  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
    virga at cloud base and a ring of blowing dust is often the only visible clue
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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