What might lead to the existence of wind shear near an airport?

Wind shear near an airport is often caused by a change in wind direction. When the wind direction shifts suddenly, it can create a gradient of wind speeds that impact aircraft during takeoff or landing phases. This sudden change can lead to either wind increasing or decreasing rapidly over a short distance, which is particularly hazardous for aircraft as they transition through different layers of air.

In contrast, stable high pressure and uniform temperature conditions typically create smooth and predictable weather patterns, which reduces the likelihood of wind shear. Clear weather conditions can also promote stability and continuity in atmospheric conditions, making them less likely to contribute to sudden wind changes. Therefore, when examining the factors that contribute to the presence of wind shear, a shift in wind direction is a primary concern for flight safety.