Plain English Meaning

Columns of air moving upward. Inside a thunderstorm they can be very strong and carry an aircraft up with them.

Full Definition

Vertical currents of rising air within the atmosphere, often produced by surface heating, terrain, or convective activity, and a key driver of cumulus and thunderstorm development.

Context Anchor

Seen in thunderstorm and weather discussions, especially when explaining why thunderstorms grow and why flying near them can be hazardous.

Derivation

From 'up' plus 'draft,' meaning a current or flow of air. The same word is used for the draft pulling smoke up a chimney — air moving upward through a column.