What is a Derecho? | Dangers and How to Spot One

Derecho is derived from the Spanish word “straight,” representing its harsh, straight-line winds that are widespread and long-lived. Unfortunately, a derecho storm can cause significant damage across widespread areas, much like a tornado – just without its rotation. 

Dangers of a Derecho

When wondering, “What is a derecho?” you’ll soon discover it can be a catastrophic storm. It’s a convective system with wind gusts over 58 mph that extend for more than 240 miles. 

A convective system is a multicellular storm system with heavy rainfall and severe weather that lasts for several hours. 

Derechos tend to develop in the warmer months of the year, from May to August, in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Great Lakes. There was an Iowa derecho in 2020 that was particularly devastating. But, they can wreak havoc on other parts of the world, as well.