Texas experiences record-breaking 111 mph winds from rare virga bomb

In Texas, a rare weather event caused a record-setting wind gust of 111 mph. The incident occurred recently, with the wind recorded at an airport weather station in Midland, marking the first time in its 94-year history the station had reported such extreme winds. The National Weather Service attributed these gusts to a phenomenon known as a virga bomb, which is associated with dry microbursts. This extreme weather development is characterized by a downward rush of air from a thunderstorm that does not manifest much precipitation at the surface due to dry environmental conditions. Microbursts are localized, strong wind events that can reach speeds potent enough to rival tornadoes, yet they are distinct in their formation and impact. They typically consist of dry or wet downdrafts from a thunderstorm. In the case of the recent virga bomb, the phenomena was driven by a dry microburst. Researchers note that as air descends and interacts with the dry layer beneath the cloud, moisture evaporates, leading to intensified wind gusts. This process is further exacerbated by how dry air can cool and thus increase the density of the surrounding air, resulting in a harder and faster hit upon reaching the ground. The damage caused by the winds was localized yet significant; several power poles were broken and at least one semi-truck was overturned. Fortunately, the airport was not damaged, although the ferocity of the wind raises concerns about the potential for severe impacts in other areas during similar weather events. While wet microbursts are more common and involve rain reaching the surface, the virga bomb witnessed in Texas serves as a reminder of how dry conditions can lead to equally dangerous weather phenomena. The winds in this instance were particularly noteworthy as they veered close to hurricane-strength, underscoring the severity of the event. Historically, Texas has recorded winds upwards of 180 mph associated with hurricanes, but the recent occurrence was among the strongest produced by a non-tropical weather event. The unusual strength and characteristics of this virga bomb demonstrate the complexity of high-impact weather and contribute to the ongoing studies into how such phenomena can be better understood and predicted in the future.