Description

A heat burst occurs when hot dry air from a dying thunderstorm accelerates quickly toward the surface causing strong winds and a sudden significant temperature increase. It is similar to other strong thunderstorm outflows, such as downbursts and microbursts, but these are usually accompanied by rain and cooler temperatures.

Temperature curve recorded at Donna Nook, Lincolnshire, UK on evening of 25 July 2019, associated with collapsing thunderstorm, showing 10C spike in surface temperature - source: UK Met Office

Mechanism