What Is a Microburst? And Why Rowan County Needs to Watch for Them Today

ROWAN COUNTY, NC (June 25, 2025) — As we track another hot, humid afternoon across Rowan County, we’re also monitoring the potential for severe thunderstorms, and one of the greatest threats today may come from something that often strikes without warning: a microburst.

What Is a Microburst?

A microburst is a small but powerful downdraft from a thunderstorm that sends a sudden burst of air rushing straight down and then outward when it hits the ground. These bursts of wind can reach speeds of 60 to over 100 mph, causing damage similar to a tornado—but without rotation.

Microbursts can:

• Uproot trees

• Damage roofs and power lines

• Flip unsecured outdoor furniture or equipment

• Create dangerous crosswinds for drivers and pilots

The key difference from a tornado? Microbursts push air down and out, not in a circular motion.

Why Today’s Setup Raises Concern

Rowan County is under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather today. One of the main concerns? A volatile mix of:

• Surface temperatures in the upper 90s

• High humidity and dew points

• Unstable air with very high CAPE values (a measure of thunderstorm fuel)

• Weak wind shear aloft, meaning storms don’t rotate—they explode and collapse quickly

This setup is classic for pulse-type thunderstorms—storms that build rapidly and collapse violently, sending bursts of air downward as they fizzle. That’s when microbursts occur.

Forecast soundings across our area today show high downdraft CAPE (DCAPE) values—an indicator that if storms develop, they could unload powerful wind gusts in a short amount of time.

What You Can Do

Microbursts happen fast and often with little to no warning, so your best defense is situational awareness. Here's how to prepare:

• Pay attention to radar and warnings this afternoon and evening

• If skies darken quickly and you feel a sudden gust of wind—get indoors immediately

• Secure outdoor items like umbrellas, trash cans, and tents

• Avoid being under trees or power lines during a storm

If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, treat it seriously—especially today, when microburst potential is high.

Timing

Storms are expected to begin developing after 4 PM and may continue through mid-evening. The risk is greatest from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Stay weather-aware, and keep notifications turned on for live updates from Rowan County Weather.

Follow Rowan County Weather on all platforms for real-time radar, warnings, and explainer updates throughout the afternoon.

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