Che cos'è un limite di deflusso?

Un outflow boundary è un termine meteorologico che si riferisce al confine tra due masse d'aria creato dal downdraft di un temporale. Se vi è mai capitato di stare all'aperto durante un temporale e di sentire la fresca corrente d'aria che precede il temporale, avete sperimentato un outflow boundary.

Outflow boundaries aren’t only responsible for those gusts of wind but can also be the trigger for new storms, especially when the outflow boundaries of other storms collide against each other.

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What is an outflow boundary?

An outflow boundary is a meteorological feature that forms when cold air rushes down and out from the storm (a downdraft), lifting the warm air around it. While this outflow occurs in all directions, the flow will be the strongest in the direction the winds are blowing at the lower levels near the surface.

An outflow boundary is the strongest closest to its point of origin and dissipates as it expands outward. This does not happen immediately, and some boundaries can travel hundreds of miles. They’re often visible on the ground in the form of shelf or roll clouds, and on the radar as a thin line of weak returns.

How do outflow boundaries form?

Outflow boundaries form when cold air from a thunderstorm downdraft pushes out under the warmer air ahead of the storm. The dense, cold air associated with outflow boundaries can quickly lower temperatures and produce strong winds.

This boundary is sometimes seen as a line of cumulus clouds on the leading edge of a thunderstorm (also called shelf or roll clouds). It is often clearly visible on radar, especially in “velocity” mode, caused by bugs, dust, and other debris blown into the air by the sudden gust of wind at the edge of the outflow boundary.

Outflow boundaries are sometimes associated with cloud and storm development. When these boundaries interact with warm, humid air and one another, they can help to trigger new clouds and storms. On radar, the direction of an outflow boundary can be determined by which way it bows.

If the outflow boundaries of two storms were pointed towards one another on a warm, humid day, a meteorologist would expect a new shower or storm to likely form where these boundaries collide.

Outflow boundaries and severe weather

Outflow boundaries are also called gust fronts, for the sudden gusts, often gusting to 30-50mph. While not necessarily damaging, these winds can easily pick up and throw light objects that aren’t secured to the ground.

In rare cases, the downdraft responsible for the outflow boundary can be extremely strong, in what’s known as a microburst. A microburst is a powerful downdraft of air that can produce winds in excess of 100mph. Microbursts are often associated with severe weather, such as tornadoes and thunderstorms. If this happens over a large area, it is called a macroburst. While both are rare events, microbursts are far more frequent.

Over desert areas, outflow boundaries can trigger “haboobs,” which are dust storms triggered by thunderstorm winds.

Image Credit: Janis Smits - stock.adobe.com

Tips for staying safe during severe weather conditions

Severe weather conditions can pose a threat to both life and property. However, there are several steps that you can take to stay safe during severe weather events.

One of the most important things is to stay informed about the latest weather conditions. You can do this by monitoring local news outlets and following the Servizio meteorologico nazionale on social media. It is also essential to plan what to do if severe weather strikes. This includes having a designated safe room in your home and knowing the best route to evacuate if necessary.

In addition, it is vital to have an emergency kit on hand that includes supplies like food, water, and first-aid supplies. Taking these precautions can help ensure your safety during severe weather events.