ClimateAugust 9, 2026

downdrafts

DOWN-drafts

Definition

Downward currents or localized pockets of rapidly sinking air in the atmosphere.

Etymology

A compound word formed from 'down' (from Old English 'dūne') and 'draft' or 'draught' (from Old English 'dræht'), which originally referred to the act of pulling or drawing air.

In the news

The article mentions downdrafts as a dangerous component of thunderstorms that, along with updrafts, contribute to convective turbulence in Indian airspace.

'Rising air turbulence tangible example of how warming climate affects everyday life'

Read the full article ↗

The Times of India

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