Wind Shear

Wind Shear is a sudden change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance, either vertically or horizontally. It is most dangerous during takeoff and landing when the aircraft is at low altitude and low speed.

Types:

• Microburst: Intense downward wind from a thunderstorm that spreads outward on contact with the ground, creating strong headwind followed by downdraft and tailwind
• Frontal wind shear: Associated with passing weather fronts
• Low-level jet: Nocturnal wind acceleration above the surface

Aircraft are equipped with wind shear detection systems (reactive and predictive), and airports use Low-Level Wind Shear Alert Systems (LLWAS) and Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) for detection.