Stunning Downburst Observed Only 2 Days Ago Near Phoenix, Arizona! (credit: Severe Weather World)

DISCUSSION: As classic monsoon convection has gotten going in full-force over the past few days, there has been some impressive displays of fairly photogenic thunderstorms structure such as this storm which developed just outside of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona just 2 days ago.  Note how you can clearly see the well-defined downburst which was generated by strong downward-motion within this thunderstorm.  
Downbursts are typically generated as a consequence of strong downdrafts within the core parts of the thunderstorms which are generated as a result of persistently rain-cooled air which races towards the ground in a violent manner and spreads out.  This process often generates wind speeds at the ground of up to or just over 160 MPH in some cases!  Hence, these phenomena can be very life-threatening meteorological events which should always be taken seriously when they are forecast to be a legitimate possibility on a given day.  To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across North America, be sure to click here!