A microburst is a small-scale, intense downdraft that results in a strong burst of wind at the surface. These phenomena typically occur during thunderstorms and can create dangerous conditions for aircraft during critical phases of flight. Microbursts can be classified into two main types:
- Wet Microbursts: Associated with heavy rainfall, these microbursts can cause significant downdrafts that may lead to flash flooding.
- Dry Microbursts: Occurring in arid regions, dry microbursts can lead to sudden, severe wind gusts without the presence of precipitation.