Microburst Forecasting - Question 2

Hypothetical sounding for microburst question

What type of microbursts would you expect?
(Select the best answer.)
a) Wet
b) Dry

The correct answer is b) Dry microbursts. Although a shallow moist layer occurs near the surface, we expect this to mix out, resulting in a very dry lower troposphere. A dry layer at low levels, combined with a moist layer at mid-levels, yields a classical inverted-V or dry microburst sounding. High-based convection will result in precipitation that evaporates before reaching the surface (virga). Evaporatively-cooled, negatively-buoyant air will accelerate downward as a strong downdraft or dry microburst.
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