NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)August 28, 2026Hillsborough
Meteorologists explain the danger of high-wind, low-rain storms in Colorado
Storms in Colorado can produce dangerous wind gusts even when they drop very little rain due to a phenomenon called a microburst. This occurs when evaporating rain cools the air, causing it to sink rapidly and spread out upon hitting the ground.
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Residents should be aware that a storm's lack of rain does not indicate a lack of danger, as sudden high-speed wind gusts can cause property damage and driving hazards.
Key Facts
- Storms with little rain can produce intense wind gusts when evaporating rain cools the air, creating a downward current.
- A microburst is a highly localized downward current that spreads horizontally upon hitting the ground.
- Microbursts differ from tornadoes because they lack the intense rotation characteristic of tornado activity.
- Microburst damage patterns show winds moving away from the impact point, whereas tornadoes show rotational patterns.
- High winds from these storms can lift dust, break branches, move unsecured objects, and create driving hazards for high-profile vehicles.
- On August 25, 1951, a microburst at Denver's Stapleton airport produced 50 mph winds with trace precipitation.
- Forecasts for August 28 predicted isolated high-based storms with wind gusts.
- Weather patterns in Colorado were expected to shift over the weekend with increased humidity and storm coverage.