Squall facts for kids
A squall is a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed lasting minutes, contrary to a wind gust lasting seconds. They are usually associated with active weather, such as rain showers, thunderstorms, or heavy snow. Squalls refer to the increase to the sustained winds over that time interval, as there may be higher gusts during a squall event. They usually occur in a region of strong sinking air or cooling in the mid-atmosphere. These force strong localized upward motions at the leading edge of the region of cooling, which then enhances local downward motions just in its wake.
Images for kids
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A shelf cloud such as this one can be a sign that a squall is imminent
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A summer squall line in Southern Ontario, producing lightning and distant heavy rains.
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A wake low is a mesolow
See also
In Spanish: Turbonada para niños
