Massive, Gargantuous - Brobdingnagian even.. Microburst

[Paul K]

By the way, why is it called a micro burst ? The one on that film looks a bloody BIG burst.

[Kevin Farnell]

By the way, why is it called a micro burst ? The one on that film looks a bloody BIG burst.

Good point, Paul. I think it's probably down to the very localised area affected.
I'd be interested to know just how much water is deposited in one of these events.

Kevin

[aeroart]

Not where you want to be on a short final. Or even a long one!

Art

[airboatr]

By the way, why is it called a micro burst ? The one on that film looks a bloody BIG burst.

Hi Paul

Kevin has it right, it's a weather event that occurs within an area of a few miles. They are just one of several types of weather events that can be dry or wet and can happen in very large storms too. (singularly or in clumps even)

I see them a lot in Florida. The thunderstorm pictured contained a small microburst. When I saw it happening I grabbed my camera but by the time I snapped the pic it was over. just a lot of localized heavy rain.