At what altitudes can wind shear occur?

Wind shear can occur at all altitudes due to various environmental factors and atmospheric conditions. This phenomenon describes a change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance, and it can be influenced by atmospheric layers, weather systems, and terrain.

At low altitudes, wind shear is often experienced during takeoff and landing phases, especially near thunderstorms, where downdrafts and microbursts can abruptly change wind conditions, posing hazards to aircraft. However, it is not limited to these lower altitudes; it can also manifest at high altitudes due to jet streams, which can create significant changes in wind velocity and direction, leading to turbulence.

The idea that wind shear occurs only at specific altitudes is misleading, as it is a common concern in various flight situations regardless of how high an aircraft is in the atmosphere. Notably, understanding that wind shear is a risk factor at all altitudes helps pilots better prepare and respond to changing conditions during flight.