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Wind Shear and the Temp/Dewpoint Spread

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A high temperature/dewpoint spread (15-30°C) combined with convective activity indicates a significant risk of dangerous wind shear for light airplanes.
  • Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed/direction that can critically reduce an airplane's airspeed and lift, potentially leading to an unrecoverable stall.
  • Pilots should consider delaying takeoffs or landings when observing a high temperature/dewpoint spread with convective activity to allow wind shear, particularly from microbursts, to dissipate.
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We all know that a very small temperature/dewpoint spread creates the perfect conditions for low visibility. But did you also know that a very high temperature/dewpoint spread associated with convective activity can be an indication of an imminent danger to light airplanes?

When the spread between the air temperature and dewpoint is between 15 and 30 degrees C and convective storms are in the area, that’s a recipe for wind shear.

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