A downward-moving air current within a thunderstorm or other atmospheric disturbance, created when cold, dense air sinks rapidly toward the ground. Downdrafts can produce dangerous wind shear and microbursts that affect aviation and surface weather.
Compound word from 'down' and 'draft' (from Old Norse 'drattr' meaning 'act of drawing'). The meteorological term developed in the early 1900s as scientists began understanding the complex air movements within storm systems.
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