Downdraft

A downdraft is a localized downward current of air within a larger body of air. It is essentially a sinking column of air, often caused by cooling or the evaporation of precipitation. Downdrafts can range in intensity from gentle breezes to powerful, damaging winds, and are a significant factor in weather patterns, particularly in thunderstorms and over mountainous terrain. They can affect aviation, cause surface wind shifts, and impact the spread of wildfires. Downdrafts often create unpredictable and localized weather conditions.

Downdraft meaning with examples

• The sudden downdraft near the airport caused a dangerous wind shear, making landing difficult. Pilots are trained to anticipate such conditions. The downdraft hit during the aircraft's final approach to the runway which caused a sudden loss of altitude. The plane had to bank hard to make it.
• As the thunderstorm intensified, a powerful downdraft swept through the valley, uprooting trees. Residents took shelter at home to protect themselves from the hazards caused by the sudden downdraft.
• The glider pilot carefully studied the wind patterns, avoiding areas prone to strong downdrafts that would compromise the plane's lift. Gliding requires constant adjustment based on where the wind shifts, which would be particularly needed to fly in downdraft regions.
• Evaporation from the cloud base caused a localized downdraft, leading to a microburst that damaged property nearby. The microburst came out of nowhere, making it hard to protect the area or predict the weather change.
• The mountains created a downdraft that affected the hiker's ability to establish a campfire, as the rising smoke was quickly pushed downwards and away from the mountain. The hiker had to constantly adjust the campfire in order to keep the smoke from interfering.