What defines a squall?

What defines a squall?

• A. A long-lasting rainfall event with mild winds.
• B. A squall is a sudden, brief burst of strong wind accompanied by rain or snow, with wind speed at least 16 knots and lasting 1 minute.
• C. A snowstorm lasting several hours.
• D. A calm interval with no precipitation.

Answer: (B)

A squall is a sudden, brief burst of strong wind accompanied by rain or snow. The key criteria are a rapid wind spike to at least 16 knots and a duration of about one minute or longer, with precipitation present. This quick, sustained gust distinguishes a squall from ordinary gusts or steady rain; it’s the combination of a sharp wind increase, the short duration, and the accompanying precipitation that defines it. The other scenarios describe weather events that are either longer-lasting, calmer, or lack the sudden wind surge with precipitation.

A squall is a sudden, brief burst of strong wind accompanied by rain or snow. The key criteria are a rapid wind spike to at least 16 knots and a duration of about one minute or longer, with precipitation present. This quick, sustained gust distinguishes a squall from ordinary gusts or steady rain; it’s the combination of a sharp wind increase, the short duration, and the accompanying precipitation that defines it. The other scenarios describe weather events that are either longer-lasting, calmer, or lack the sudden wind surge with precipitation.