Which of the following can lead to the formation of microbursts?

Microbursts are localized, powerful downdrafts that occur within thunderstorms. Their formation is primarily related to the dynamics of thunderstorms themselves, particularly the downdrafts that result from the cooling effects of precipitation. When rain or hail falls from a thunderstorm, it drags air downward with it. This process can create a very strong downdraft, especially if the thunderstorm is intense.

When the downdraft reaches the surface, it spreads out in all directions, causing sudden and intense winds that are characteristic of microbursts. These phenomena can be particularly hazardous for aviation, especially during takeoff and landing phases, due to the sudden changes in wind direction and speed.

While strong winds and high humidity can influence the overall storm dynamics, and temperature inversions can also affect weather patterns, they do not directly cause microbursts. The key factor in microburst formation is specifically the downdrafts that occur within thunderstorms, making this aspect of thunderstorm behavior critical to understanding microbursts.