Downdraft

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000747",
  "term": "Downdraft",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A column of cool, dense air that rapidly descends from a cloud, particularly a cumulonimbus cloud, towards the Earth's surface. It forms as precipitation falls and evaporates, cooling the air and making it negatively buoyant. Upon reaching the ground, a downdraft spreads out horizontally, creating a gust front that can extend many kilometers from the storm.",
    "(Abbrev. DWNDFT) - A small-scale column of air that rapidly sinks toward the ground, usually accompanied by precipitation as in a shower or thunderstorm. A downburst is the result of a strong\ndowndraft."
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "draft"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/downdraft/"
}