What are common causes of wind shear?

Wind shear refers to a change in wind speed or direction with altitude and can significantly impact aviation operations. Thunderstorms are well-known contributors to wind shear, as they can produce strong upward and downward drafts as well as rapid changes in horizontal wind patterns around the storm. The presence of natural obstacles, such as mountains or hills, along with manmade structures, can also alter wind flow, creating turbulence and localized shifts in wind direction.

This highlights the significance of thunderstorms and physical barriers in generating wind shear, making them a central focus when assessing potential hazards during flight operations. While the other factors listed may influence weather conditions, they do not directly correlate with the phenomenon of wind shear in the same impactful way as thunderstorms and obstacles.