Destructive thunderstorm winds in the central U.S. are becoming more widespread

New research led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) indicates that destructive winds from severe thunderstorms are becoming more widespread in the central United States.

According to the report, there has been a nearly five-fold increase in the area impacted by these destructive winds over the past 40 years.

These damaging straight-line winds in excess of 60 mph are caused by extreme downdrafts from the base of severe thunderstorms.

The researchers utilized powerful, high-resolution computer model simulations and meteorological observations to reach their conclusion.

Link to climate change.........

The study also showed that climate change is likely altering the picture by increasing the temperature difference between the cool air in downdrafts and the warm surrounding air. This larger temperature difference lets the cold air descend even faster, making it more likely for a thunderstorm to generate damaging winds, according to the NCAR/UCAR News.