Development Stages of Microbursts
The evolution of downbursts is broken down into three stages: the contact stage, the outburst stage and the cushion stage.
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A downburst initially develops as the downdraft begins its descent from cloud base. The downdraft accelerates and within minutes, reaches the ground (contact stage). It is during the contact stage that the highest winds are observed.
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During the outburst stage, the wind "curls" as the cold air of the downburst moves away from the point of impact with the ground.
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During the cushion stage, winds about the curl continue to accelerate, while the winds at the surface slow due to friction.
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