Squalls

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• Squall

squall

1. A strong wind characterized by a sudden onset, a duration of the order of minutes, and then a rather sudden decrease in speed.

   
   

   In U.S. observational practice, a squall is reported only if a wind speed of 16 knots or higher is sustained for at least two minutes (thereby distinguishing it from a gust).
   See line squall, white squall, williwaw.

   
   
2. In nautical use, a severe local storm considered as a whole, that is, winds and cloud mass and (if any) precipitation, thunder and lightning.

   
   

   
   See squall line, arched squall, black squall, sumatra, Abrolhos squalls.

   
   

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