downburst

American  

[doun-burst] / ˈdaʊnˌbɜrst /

noun

1. a strong downward current of air from a cumulonimbus cloud, often associated with intense thunderstorms.

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downburst British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌbɜːst /

noun

1. Also called: microburst.  a very high-speed downward movement of turbulent air in a limited area for a short time. Near the ground it spreads out from its centre with high horizontal velocities

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downburst Scientific  

/ doun′bûrst′ /

1. An extremely powerful downward air current from a cumulonimbus cloud, typically associated with thunderstorm activity. Downbursts can produce effects that resemble those brought about by tornadoes.

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Etymology

Origin of downburst

down ¹ + burst

Example Sentences

“With dry air near the surface, any thunderstorm that forms will likely produce downburst winds up to around 50 mph and the potential for dry lightning, especially for the foothills and lower mountains,” stated the Weather Service.

From Los Angeles Times

If this occurs, it can produce a “downburst” as cold, dense air descends rapidly out of the cloud.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors said that they now believed a downburst was the weather phenomenon that hit the ship: a localised, powerful wind that descends from a thunderstorm and spreads unpredictably.

From BBC

Italian authorities say a downburst was the most likely cause of the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht which led to the deaths of seven people.

From BBC

A downburst occurs when air plummets downward from the base of the cloud - often in conjunction with a downpour of rain - producing a powerful wind gust that blows towards the ground.

From BBC