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Meteorology

Wind shear

TERM · Meteorology

At a glance

Meaning of Wind shear

A change in wind speed or direction over a short distance.

More about Wind shear

Wind shear can change an aircraft's airspeed and flight path, particularly during low-altitude phases where there is limited recovery space.

It can occur in several weather situations. Crews use weather information, installed warnings and aircraft-specific procedures; it should not be treated simply as ordinary steady crosswind.