How fast can a microburst produce damaging winds?

A microburst can produce damaging winds that can reach speeds of up to 150 knots. Microbursts are highly localized, intense downdrafts that occur in thunderstorms, often leading to severe hazards for aviation. They have the potential to generate very strong wind gusts that can suddenly change direction and intensity, creating dangerous situations, especially during takeoff and landing phases of flight.

The wind speeds associated with microbursts can exceed typical scenarios encountered in other weather phenomena, highlighting the need for pilots and air traffic controllers to be acutely aware of their presence. Understanding that microbursts can reach these extreme speeds is crucial for ensuring safety in aviation operations. Therefore, the answer indicating 150 knots accurately reflects the severe impact that microbursts can have during severe weather events.