Myrskytuulet

Myrskytuulet are sudden, powerful wind gusts associated with thunderstorms and other convective storm systems. They are typically brief but can cause local damage and are often accompanied by other storm hazards such as lightning, heavy rain, hail, and occasionally tornadoes in rare cases. The winds themselves are produced by rapidly changing air flows within the storm and along its edges.

Causes and mechanisms: They arise from outflows of cooled air in storms, forming gust fronts that rush ahead of the storm. Downbursts and microbursts are strong downward air motions that can produce very brief but intense surface winds. Larger systems may generate bow echoes and widespread gusts across a region, increasing the potential for damage.

Measurement and forecasting: Meteorological agencies monitor myrskytuulet with weather radar, satellites, surface observations and wind profilers. Warnings are issued when models and radar signatures indicate likely gusts of high magnitude. Because convective storms develop quickly and at small scales, forecasts emphasize uncertainty and short lead times.

Occurrence and impact: In Finland, myrskytuulet are most common in the warm season, coinciding with afternoon and evening storms. Impacts include uprooted trees, damaged buildings, broken power lines, and hazardous travel conditions. Climate-related changes in atmospheric convection may affect the frequency or intensity of storm winds, but regional trends remain uncertain.

See also thunderstorm, lightning, downburst, gust front.