Mother Nature often reminds us of her power with an array of impressive and occasionally frightening atmospheric phenomena. Among them, microbursts and derechos are two weather occurrences that, although not as commonly known as tornadoes or hurricanes, can bring about significant destruction. Understanding their origins, characteristics, and differences can help us better prepare for these unpredictable weather events.
Last night’s event in Burlington / Northern Camden County has all the markings of a microburst and NOT a derecho. While the impact is VERY similar, there IS a difference.
What is a Microburst?
A microburst is a localized column of sinking air, or downdraft, within a thunderstorm. Typically, it measures less than 2.5 miles in diameter and lasts for about five to fifteen minutes. The term was coined by Dr. Tetsuya Theodore Fujita, who described it as a ‘small burst of wind’ from a thunderstorm cloud.
The microburst develops due to evaporative cooling in thunderstorms. As rain falls through drier air beneath the storm, it evaporates, cooling the surrounding air. This colder air is denser, and it starts to sink rapidly. When the sinking air column hits the ground, it spreads out in all directions, causing strong, potentially damaging winds at the surface.
Microbursts can have wind speeds exceeding 100 mph, equivalent to an EF1 tornado. The nature of these winds differs from tornadic winds, as they are directed downward and outward from the point of impact, rather than circulating inward. As a result, they can cause significant damage, particularly to aviation.
What is a Derecho?
A derecho, on the other hand, is a widespread, long-lived, straight-line wind storm that is associated with a group of severe thunderstorms. The term “derecho” is a Spanish word that means “straight ahead” or “direct,” fitting for its characteristic of producing straight-line winds. To qualify as a derecho, the swath of wind damage must extend more than 240 miles and have wind speeds of at least 58 mph along most of its length, with several well-separated 75 mph or greater gusts.
Derechos are often associated with bands of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms known as convective systems. The most severe derechos are given the name “Super Derecho” and are usually accompanied by a bow echo – a radar signature that resembles the shape of an archer’s bow.
The main damage from derechos is caused by straight-line wind gusts that knock down trees and power lines over large areas, leading to power outages and property damage. Despite the similarities in damage, the damage patterns from derechos and tornadoes differ. Derecho damage extends in a relatively straight path, whereas tornado damage tends to be more localized and scattered.
The Differences Between Microbursts and Derechos:
While both microbursts and derechos can cause substantial damage with high wind speeds, their differences are mainly in their scope and duration.
- Size and duration: A microburst is a localized event, typically affecting an area less than 2.5 miles in diameter, and lasts between 5 to 15 minutes. In contrast, a derecho is a large-scale event that can stretch across hundreds of miles and lasts several hours or even an entire day.
- Wind patterns: The winds in a microburst are directed downward and outward from the point of impact on the ground. In contrast, the winds in a derecho are primarily horizontal, traveling in a straight line, hence the name ‘straight-line wind storm.’
- Weather systems: Microbursts occur within individual thunderstorms, while derechos are associated with a series of intense thunderstorms known as a convective system.
Though microbursts and derechos may not be as well-known as some other weather phenomena, their impacts can be just as significant and further bolsters WHY we always need to be aware when Summer-time thunderstorms are possible.
Here’s a look at some of the damage from yesterday…crazy!
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