What is the maximum downdraft speed that may be encountered in a microburst?

Microbursts are localized, intense downdrafts that can occur during thunderstorms and are particularly hazardous to aviation. The maximum downdraft speed associated with microbursts can reach staggering velocities.

When analyzing the provided options, the correct answer indicates that microbursts can feature maximum downdraft speeds of up to 6,000 feet per minute. This value is derived from extensive meteorological studies and accounts for severe weather scenarios, especially when considering the potential for rapid and highly concentrated areas of downward-moving air. Such downdrafts can lead to dangerous wind shear conditions that aircraft must navigate during takeoff and landing, making understanding these phenomena crucial for flight safety.

The other choices reflect values that may occur in different weather phenomena but do not encapsulate the extreme nature of a microburst. Thus, the 6,000 feet per minute figure accurately represents the significant potential threat posed by microbursts in aviation contexts.