Science / Weather / Plow Wind: The spreading downdraft and strong straight-line winds preceding a thunderstorm. So named in the American Midwest because of its ability to flatten tall grasses as it passes. MORE
Science / Weather / Outflow: Also referred to as an outflow boundary, it is the outward flow of air from a system, such as a thunderstorm. It is the result of cold downdrafts and its passage includes a wind shift and temperature MORE
Science / Weather / Downburst: A severe localized downdraft from a thunderstorm or shower. This outward burst of cool or colder air creates damaging winds at or near the surface. Sometimes the damage resembles tornadic damage. MORE
Science / Weather / Gust Front: The leading edge of the cool, gusty surface winds produced by thunderstorm downdrafts. Sometimes confused with an outflow boundary. MORE
Science / Weather / Bubble High: A small high that may be created by precipitation and vertical instability associated with thunderstorm activity. A product of downdrafts, it is relatively cold and often has the characteristics of a MORE
Science / Weather / First Gust: Another name for the initial wind surge observed at the surface as the result of downdrafts forming the leading edge or gust front of a thunderstorm. MORE