A small thunderstorm cloud with virga falling out of its base and blowing dust at the ground can be a warning of a severe hazard to an airplane. Which of the following statements explains what this warning indicates?
A)It is the first indication of a tornado.
B)It is an indication that hail will soon begin to fall.
C)It is an indication that the airplane could be struck by lightning.
D)It is an indication of an intense downdraft or microburst.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The virga falling from the cloud indicates that the precipitation is evaporating before reaching the ground due to dry air at low levels. This dry air can cause intense downdrafts or microbursts, which can be hazardous to aircraft. The blowing dust also indicates strong winds associated with the downdrafts.

A Small Thunderstorm Cloud with Virga Falling Out of Its