What Is Wind Shear? Wind shear is a change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance. It can occur either horizontally or vertically and is most often associated with strong temperature inversions or density gradients. Wind shear can occur at high or low altitude.

Where can wind shear be found?

Wind shear may be found on all sides of a thunderstorm cell as well as directly underneath it. "Wind Shear - A change in wind speed and/or wind direction in a short distance resulting in a tearing or shearing effect. It can exist in a horizontal or vertical direction and occasionally in both."

Where is wind shear most common?

It is particularly hazardous to aircraft operations at low altitudes on takeoff or landing. Wind shear may be encountered almost anywhere. The most common encounters though are near thunderstorms or in gusty surface winds, typically after a frontal passage. Thunderstorms can produce microburst wind shear.