Microbursts can occur when certain conditions arise in various parts of the United States during the summer.
Synonym: downburst
Features of a microburst:
(1) it develops within a thunderstorm
(2) it is a localized downdraft that occurs when an updraft collapses (unable to sustain itself)
(3) the downdraft can have high wind speeds (over 100 mph)
(4) it can form a column <= 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) in diameter
Types:
(1) wet
(2) dry
Favorable conditions:
(1) high precipitatable water
(2) dry air in the mid levels with strong winds
The signature on Doppler radar is a mid-altitude radial convergence (MARC).
Exclusions:
(1) tornado
Damage may include:
(1) structural collapse
(2) airplane crash secondary to wind shear
(3) leveling of trees or vegetation
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Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care