What size does a macroburst exceed in diameter?

A macroburst is a powerful downdraft that results in strong winds reaching the surface and is typically associated with severe thunderstorms. The defining characteristic of a macroburst is its substantial size, which exceeds about 2.2 nautical miles in diameter. This feature distinguishes it from a microburst, which is smaller in scale, generally less than 2.2 nautical miles.

Macrobursts can produce wind gusts that are extremely destructive, making the understanding of their size essential for aviation safety. Pilots and air traffic controllers need to be aware of macrobursts due to their potential to cause turbulence and hazardous conditions during takeoff and landing phases of flight. Therefore, recognizing that a macroburst exceeds about 2.2 nautical miles in diameter is crucial for adequately assessing risks associated with such weather phenomena.