Articles | Volume 18, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-2133-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-2133-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Data description article
| 
25 Mar 2026
Data description article |
| 25 Mar 2026
| 25 Mar 2026
CLIMATHUNDERR: experimental database of buoyancy-driven downbursts
Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
Anthony Guibert
Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB), 44300 Nantes, France
Andi Xhelaj
Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
Josip Žužul
Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
Djordje Romanic
Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0E2, Canada
Alessio Ricci
Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Horia Hangan
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Ontario, L1G 0C5, Canada
Jean-Paul Bouchet
Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB), 44300 Nantes, France
Philippe Delpech
Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB), 44300 Nantes, France
Olivier Flamand
Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB), 44300 Nantes, France
Massimiliano Burlando
Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
Related authors
No articles found.
Andi Xhelaj and Massimiliano Burlando
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1657–1679, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1657-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1657-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The study provides an in-depth analysis of a severe downburst event in Sânnicolau Mare, Romania, utilizing an analytical model and optimization algorithm. The goal is to explore a multitude of generating solutions and to identify potential alternatives to the optimal solution. Advanced data analysis techniques help to discern three main distinct storm scenarios. For this particular event, the best overall solution from the optimization algorithm shows promise in reconstructing the downburst.
Cited articles
Allen, J. T.: Climate Change and Severe Thunderstorms, in: Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Climate Science, Oxford University Press, https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228620.013.62, 2018.
Bevacqua, E., Maraun, D., Vousdoukas, M. I., Voukouvalas, E., Vrac, M., Mentaschi, L., and Widmann, M.: Higher probability of compound flooding from precipitation and storm surge in Europe under anthropogenic climate change, Sci. Adv., 5, eaaw5531, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aaw5531, 2019.
Bosbach, J., Kühn, M., and Wagner, C.: Large scale particle image velocimetry with helium filled soap bubbles, Exp. Fluids, 46, 539–547, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-008-0579-0, 2009.
Brady, W. G. and Ludwig, G.: Theoretical and Experimental Studies of Impinging Uniform Jets, J. Am. Helicopt. Soc., 8, 1–13, 1963.
Brooks, H. E.: Severe thunderstorms and climate change, Atmos. Res., 123, 129–138, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2012.04.002, 2013.
Burlando, M., Romanić, D., Solari, G., Hangan, H., and Zhang, S.: Field Data Analysis and Weather Scenario of a Downburst Event in Livorno, Italy, on 1 October 2012, Mon. Weather Rev., 145, 3507–3527, https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-17-0018.1, 2017.
Burlando, M., Zhang, S., and Solari, G.: Monitoring, cataloguing, and weather scenarios of thunderstorm outflows in the northern Mediterranean, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 2309–2330, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-18-2309-2018, 2018.
Burlando, M., Romanic, D., Boni, G., Lagasio, M., and Parodi, A.: Investigation of the Weather Conditions During the Collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa on 14 August 2018 Using Field Observations and WRF Model, Atmosphere, 11, 724, https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11070724, 2020.
Calotescu, I., Bîtcă, D., and Repetto, M. P.: Full-scale monitoring of a telecommunication lattice tower under synoptic and thunderstorm winds, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 258, 106022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2025.106022, 2025.
Canepa, F., Burlando, M., and Solari, G.: Vertical profile characteristics of thunderstorm outflows, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 206, 104332, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2020.104332, 2020.
Canepa, F., Burlando, M., Romanic, D., Solari, G., and Hangan, H.: Downburst-like experimental impinging jet measurements at the WindEEE Dome, Nat. Sci. Data, 9, 243, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-022-01342-1, 2022a.
Canepa, F., Burlando, M., Romanic, D., Solari, G., and Hangan, H.: Experimental investigation of the near-surface flow dynamics in downburst-like impinging jets, Environ. Fluid Mech., 22, 921–954, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10652-022-09870-5, 2022b.
Canepa, F., Burlando, M., Hangan, H., and Romanic, D.: Experimental Investigation of the Near-Surface Flow Dynamics in Downburst-like Impinging Jets Immersed in ABL-like Winds, Atmosphere, 13, 28, https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13040621, 2022c.
Canepa, F., Romanic, D., Hangan, H., and Burlando, M.: Experimental translating downbursts immersed in the atmospheric boundary layer, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 243, 105570, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2023.105570, 2023.
Canepa, F., Burlando, M., Romanic, D., and Hangan, H.: Effect of surface roughness on large-scale downburst-like impinging jets, Phys. Fluids, 36, 036610, https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0198291, 2024a.
Canepa, F., Repetto, M. P., and Burlando, M.: Full-scale measurements of thunderstorm outflows in the Northern Mediterranean, Geosci. Data J., gdj3.247, https://doi.org/10.1002/gdj3.247, 2024b.
Canepa, F., Guibert, A., Xhelaj, A., Žužul, J., Romanic, D., Ricci, A., Hangan, H., Bouchet, J.-P., Delpech, P., Flamand, O., and Burlando, M.: CLIMATHUNDERR: A database of LS-PIV velocity and temperature data from experimental downbursts. A combination of the impinging jet and gravity current techniques, Zenodo [data set], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14609848, 2025a.
Canepa, F., Bin, H.-Y., and Brusco, S.: Time-frequency vortex characterization in large-scale experimental downbursts, Phys. Fluids, 37, 036610, https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0255845, 2025b.
Charba, J.: Application of gravity current model to analysis of squall-line gust front, Mon. Weather Rev., 102, 140–156, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0493(1974)102<0140:AOGCMT>2.0.CO;2, 1974.
Chay, M. T. and Letchford, C. W.: Pressure distributions on a cube in a simulated thunderstorm downburst – Part A: stationary downburst observations, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 90, 711–732, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-6105(02)00158-7, 2002.
Choi, E. C. and Hidayat, F. A.: Dynamic response of structures to thunderstorm winds, Progr. Struct. Eng. Mater., 4, 408–416, https://doi.org/10.1002/pse.132, 2002.
Choi, E. C. C.: Field measurement and experimental study of wind speed profile during thunderstorms, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 92, 275–290, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2003.12.001, 2004.
De Gaetano, P., Repetto, M. P., Repetto, T., and Solari, G.: Separation and classification of extreme wind events from anemometric records, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 126, 132–143, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2014.01.006, 2014.
Didden, N. and Ho, C.-M.: Unsteady separation in a boundary layer produced by an impinging jet, J. Fluid Mech., 160, 235–256, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022112085003469, 1985.
Faranda, D., Bourdin, S., Ginesta, M., Krouma, M., Noyelle, R., Pons, F., Yiou, P., and Messori, G.: A climate-change attribution retrospective of some impactful weather extremes of 2021, Weather Clim. Dynam., 3, 1311–1340, https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-3-1311-2022, 2022.
Forzieri, G., Feyen, L., Russo, S., Vousdoukas, M., Alfieri, L., Outten, S., Migliavacca, M., Bianchi, A., Rojas, R., and Cid, A.: Multi-hazard assessment in Europe under climate change, Climatic Change, 137, 105–119, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-016-1661-x, 2016.
Fujita, T. T.: Tornadoes and Downbursts in the Context of Generalized Planetary Scales, J. Atmos. Sci., 38, 1511–1534, 1981.
Gallina, V., Torresan, S., Critto, A., Sperotto, A., Glade, T., and Marcomini, A.: A review of multi-risk methodologies for natural hazards: Consequences and challenges for a climate change impact assessment, J. Environ. Manage., 168, 123–132, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.11.011, 2016.
Giachetti, A., Ferrini, F., and Bartoli, G.: A risk analysis procedure for urban trees subjected to wind- or rainstorm, Urban Forest. Urban Green., 58, 126941, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126941, 2021.
Giorgi, F.: Climate change hot-spots, Geophys. Res. Lett., 33, 2006GL025734, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GL025734, 2006.
Gutmark, E., Wolfshtein, M., and Wygnanski, I.: The plane turbulent impinging jet, J. Fluid Mech., 88, 737–756, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022112078002360, 1978.
Haan, F. L., Sarkar, P. P., and Gallus, W. A.: Design, construction and performance of a large tornado simulator for wind engineering applications, Eng. Struct., 30, 1146–1159, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2007.07.010, 2008.
Hangan, H., Refan, M., Jubayer, C., Romanic, D., Parvu, D., LoTufo, J., and Costache, A.: Novel techniques in wind engineering, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 171, 12–33, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2017.09.010, 2017.
Hangan, H., Romanic, D., and Jubayer, C.: Three-dimensional, non-stationary and non-Gaussian (3D-NS-NG) wind fields and their implications to wind–structure interaction problems, J. Fluids Struct., 91, 102583, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2019.01.024, 2019.
Hjelmfelt, M. R.: Structure and Life Cycle of Microburst Outflows Observed in Colorado, J. Appl. Meteorol., 27, 900–927, 1988.
Huang, G., Jiang, Y., Peng, L., Solari, G., Liao, H., and Li, M.: Characteristics of intense winds in mountain area based on field measurement: Focusing on thunderstorm winds, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 190, 166–182, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2019.04.020, 2019.
Junayed, C., Jubayer, C., Parvu, D., Romanic, D., and Hangan, H.: Flow field dynamics of large-scale experimentally produced downburst flows, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 188, 61–79, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2019.02.008, 2019.
Kim, J. and Hangan, H.: Numerical simulations of impinging jets with application to downbursts, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 95, 279–298, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2006.07.002, 2007.
Leinonen, J., Hamann, U., Sideris, I. V., and Germann, U.: Thunderstorm Nowcasting With Deep Learning: A Multi-Hazard Data Fusion Model, Geophys. Res. Lett., 50, e2022GL101626, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL101626, 2023.
Li, S., Catarelli, R. A., Phillips, B. M., Bridge, J. A., and Gurley, K. R.: Physical simulation of downburst winds for civil structures: A review, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 254, 105900, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2024.105900, 2024.
Lolis, C. J.: On the variability of convective available potential energy in the Mediterranean Region for the 83-year period 1940–2022; signals of https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-024-05183-3, 2024.
Lombardo, F. T., Main, J. A., and Simiu, E.: Automated extraction and classification of thunderstorm and non-thunderstorm wind data for extreme-value analysis, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 97, 120–131, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2009.03.001, 2009.
Lundgren, T. S., Yao, J., and Mansour, N. N.: Microburst modelling and scaling, J. Fluid Mech., 239, 461, https://doi.org/10.1017/S002211209200449X, 1992.
McConville, A. C., Sterling, M., and Baker, C. J.: The physical simulation of thunderstorm downbursts using an impinging jet, Wind Struct., 12, 133–149, https://doi.org/10.12989/WAS.2009.12.2.133, 2009.
Pope, S. B.: Turbulent Flows, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0 521 59886 9, 2000.
Prein, A. F.: Thunderstorm straight line winds intensify with climate change, Nat. Clim. Change, 13, 1353–1359, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01852-9, 2023.
Púčik, T., Groenemeijer, P., Rädler, A. T., Tijssen, L., Nikulin, G., Prein, A. F., Van Meijgaard, E., Fealy, R., Jacob, D., and Teichmann, C.: Future Changes in European Severe Convection Environments in a Regional Climate Model Ensemble, J. Climate, 30, 6771–6794, https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-16-0777.1, 2017.
Rädler, A. T., Groenemeijer, P. H., Faust, E., Sausen, R., and Púčik, T.: Frequency of severe thunderstorms across Europe expected to increase in the 21st century due to rising instability, npj Clim. Atmos. Sci., 2, 30, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-019-0083-7, 2019.
Repetto, M. P., Burlando, M., Solari, G., De Gaetano, P., Pizzo, M., and Tizzi, M.: A web-based GIS platform for the safe management and risk assessment of complex structural and infrastructural systems exposed to wind, Adv. Eng. Softw., 117, 29–45, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advengsoft.2017.03.002, 2018.
Romanic, D.: Mean flow and turbulence characteristics of a nocturnal downburst recorded on a 213 m tall meteorological tower, J. Atmos. Sci., 78, 3629–3650, https://doi.org/10.1175/JAS-D-21-0040.1, 2021.
Romanic, D. and Hangan, H.: Experimental investigation of the interaction between near-surface atmospheric boundary layer winds and downburst outflows, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 205, 104323, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2020.104323, 2020.
Romanic, D., LoTufo, J., and Hangan, H.: Transient behavior in impinging jets in crossflow with application to downburst flows, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 184, 209–227, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2018.11.020, 2019.
Romanic, D., Nicolini, E., Hangan, H., Burlando, M., and Solari, G.: A novel approach to scaling experimentally produced downburst-like impinging jet outflows, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 196, 104025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2019.104025, 2020a.
Romanic, D., Chowdhury, J., Chowdhury, J., and Hangan, H.: Investigation of the Transient Nature of Thunderstorm Winds from Europe, the United States, and Australia Using a New Method for Detection of Changepoints in Wind Speed Records, Mon. Weather Rev., 148, 3747–3771, https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-19-0312.1, 2020c.
Sadegh, M., Moftakhari, H., Gupta, H. V., Ragno, E., Mazdiyasni, O., Sanders, B., Matthew, R., and AghaKouchak, A.: Multihazard Scenarios for Analysis of Compound Extreme Events, Geophys. Res. Lett., 45, 5470–5480, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL077317, 2018.
Scarano, F., Ghaemi, S., Caridi, G. C. A., Bosbach, J., Dierksheide, U., and Sciacchitano, A.: On the use of helium-filled soap bubbles for large-scale tomographic PIV in wind tunnel experiments, Exp. Fluids, 56, 42, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-015-1909-7, 2015.
Sengupta, A. and Sarkar, P. P.: Experimental measurement and numerical simulation of an impinging jet with application to thunderstorm microburst winds, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 96, 345–365, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2007.09.001, 2008.
Sherman, D. J.: Weak thunderstorm downburst, Mon. Weather Rev., 115, 1193–1205, 1987.
Simpson, J. E.: A comparison between laboratory and atmospheric density currents, Q. J. Roy. Meteorol. Soc., 95, 758–765, https://doi.org/10.1002/qj.49709540609, 1969.
Solari, G., Repetto, M. P., Burlando, M., De Gaetano, P., Pizzo, M., Tizzi, M., and Parodi, M.: The wind forecast for safety management of port areas, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 104–106, 266–277, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2012.03.029, 2012.
Solari, G., Burlando, M., and Repetto, M. P.: Detection, simulation, modelling and loading of thunderstorm outflows to design wind-safer and cost-efficient structures, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 200, 104142, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2020.104142, 2020.
Taszarek, M., Allen, J., Púčik, T., Groenemeijer, P., Czernecki, B., Kolendowicz, L., Lagouvardos, K., Kotroni, V., and Schulz, W.: A Climatology of Thunderstorms across Europe from a Synthesis of Multiple Data Sources, J. Climate, 32, 1813–1837, https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-18-0372.1, 2019.
Taszarek, M., Allen, J. T., Groenemeijer, P., Edwards, R., Brooks, H. E., Chmielewski, V., and Enno, S.-E.: Severe Convective Storms across Europe and the United States. Part I: Climatology of Lightning, Large Hail, Severe Wind, and Tornadoes, J. Climate, 33, 10239–10261, https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-20-0345.1, 2020.
Wakimoto, R. M.: The Life Cycle of Thunderstorm Gust Fronts as Viewed with Doppler Radar and Rawinsonde Data, Mon. Weather Rev., 110, 1060–1082, 1982.
Wieneke, B.: PIV uncertainty quantification from correlation statistics, Meas.Sci. Technol., 26, 074002, https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-0233/26/7/074002, 2015.
Xhelaj, A. and Burlando, M.: Application of metaheuristic optimization algorithms to evaluate the geometric and kinematic parameters of downbursts, Adv. Eng. Softw., 173, 103203, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advengsoft.2022.103203, 2022.
Xhelaj, A. and Burlando, M.: Application of the teaching–learning-based optimization algorithm to an analytical model of thunderstorm outflows to analyze the variability of the downburst kinematic and geometric parameters, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1657–1679, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1657-2024, 2024.
Xhelaj, A., Burlando, M., and Solari, G.: A general-purpose analytical model for reconstructing the thunderstorm outflows of travelling downbursts immersed in ABL flows, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 207, 104373, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2020.104373, 2020.
Xu, Z. and Hangan, H.: Scale, boundary and inlet condition effects on impinging jets, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 96, 2383–2402, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2008.04.002, 2008.
Yao, J. and Lundgren, T. S.: Experimental investigation of microbursts, Exp. Fluids, 21, 17–25, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00204631, 1996.
Zhang, S., Solari, G., De Gaetano, P., Burlando, M., and Repetto, M. P.: A refined analysis of thunderstorm outflow characteristics relevant to the wind loading of structures, Probabil. Eng. Mech., 54, 9–24, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.probengmech.2017.06.003, 2018.
Žužul, J., Ricci, A., Burlando, M., Blocken, B., and Solari, G.: CFD analysis of the WindEEE dome produced downburst-like winds, J. Wind Eng. Indust. Aerodynam., 232, 105268, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2022.105268, 2023.
Žužul, J., Ricci, A., Burlando, M., Blocken, B., and Solari, G.: Vortex dynamics and radial outflow velocity evolution in downburst-like winds, Comput. Fluids, 283, 106393, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compfluid.2024.106393, 2024.
Short summary
Thunderstorm downbursts are intense wind events that can cause severe damage to the environment and infrastructure. To better understand these phenomena, we conducted experiments in a specialized climatic wind tunnel. By simulating thermal and wind dynamics, we studied how these winds form, develop, and interact with the landscape. Our findings provide new insights into downburst behavior and offer valuable data for improving models to predict their impacts in a changing climate.
Thunderstorm downbursts are intense wind events that can cause severe damage to the environment...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint