A microburst is a small, intense downdraft that occurs during thunderstorms. It can produce strong winds that spread out in all directions upon reaching the ground. These winds can exceed 100 miles per hour and typically last for only a few minutes, making them difficult to predict. Microbursts can cause significant damage, especially to aircraft during takeoff and landing. They are classified into two types: wet microbursts, which are associated with heavy rainfall, and dry microbursts, which occur in arid regions. Understanding microbursts is crucial for meteorologists and pilots to ensure safety in severe weather conditions.