noun
- powerful downward currents of air that spread outward when they hit the ground, often causing severe wind damage
Usage: meteorology
Examples
- The airplane encountered dangerous downbursts during its approach to the airport.
- Meteorologists warned that severe thunderstorms could produce damaging downbursts.
- The forest showed clear signs of downburst damage with trees blown down in a radial pattern.
- Pilots are trained to recognize and avoid downbursts near airports.
- The weather service issued alerts about possible downbursts in the storm system.
- Downbursts can create wind speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour at ground level.