What units are commonly used to report vertical windshear?

Vertical windshear is typically reported in units that express the change in wind speed over a certain distance. The commonly accepted unit for vertical windshear is knots per 100 feet (kt / 100 ft), which quantifies how much the wind speed changes as you ascend or descend through the atmosphere. This measurement provides pilots with critical information regarding the potential for turbulence or significant changes in wind direction and speed at various altitudes.

In practical terms, knowing windshear in kt / 100 ft helps pilots to anticipate and manage changes in aircraft performance and handling characteristics, especially during takeoff and landing phases when the aircraft is most vulnerable to such atmospheric conditions. The use of this specific unit allows for a clear and immediate understanding of how rapidly the wind is changing vertically, which is essential for flight safety.