squall

A squall is a brief, intense period of high winds that begins abruptly and lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. It is typically characterized by a sharp increase in wind speed, often accompanied by precipitation such as rain or snow. In contrast to a regular gust, a squall is sustained for longer and can produce gusts that are significantly stronger than surrounding winds.

Squalls most commonly occur with thunderstorms and their gust fronts or downbursts, but they can also accompany fast-moving weather systems or be observed as squall lines—a line of strong storms that produces repeated gusts along its length. In maritime contexts, squalls are closely tied to abrupt changes in wind direction and speed, and can create rough seas and reduced visibility.

The impact of squalls can be hazardous. In aviation, sudden wind shifts and gusts complicate takeoffs and landings; in sailing and on ships they cause rapid changes in course and sea state; for pedestrians and motorists, squalls can cause loss of control and brief whiteout conditions during heavy precipitation. Forecasting squalls typically relies on radar-detected storm development, wind profiles, and the identification of gust fronts.