Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 30, 2026

Tilted updraft

A tilted updraft is a thunderstorm which is not vertically erect. This happens as a result of unidirectional wind shear, or a change in wind speed with height. In such an environment, the top of the updraft is pushed further downstream than the lower parts as a result of stronger winds pushing the top, as it is higher in the atmosphere. Storms that occur in environments with wind shear are more likely to be severe.

Last revised
May 30, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
143 w
Citations
4
Source
Wikipedia ↗
RHI from a research radar in Colorado sampling a visibly tilted updraft source ↗

A tilted updraft (also known as a tilted storm) is a thunderstorm which is not vertically erect.12 This happens as a result of unidirectional wind shear, or a change in wind speed with height. In such an environment, the top of the updraft is pushed further downstream than the lower parts as a result of stronger winds pushing the top, as it is higher in the atmosphere. Storms that occur in environments with wind shear are more likely to be severe.12

References

References

  1. Michael Branick (March 11, 2008). "A COMPREHENSIVE GLOSSARY OF WEATHER TERMS FOR STORM SPOTTERS". NWS - Norman. Archived from the original on May 1, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  2. NOAA. "Tilted Storm or Tilted Updraft". A dictionary of legal, industry-specific, and uncommon terms. Defined Term. Retrieved May 10, 2018.