What condition can cause a downdraft to occur?

Downdrafts occur when cold outside temperatures or high winds create a significant pressure difference in the atmosphere. When cold air descends rapidly, it can displace warmer air, leading to a downdraft effect. This phenomenon is often associated with storm systems where the ambient conditions allow for strong, cold air masses to push downward, resulting in increased air movement toward the ground. The swift downward motion of cold air not only contributes to downdrafts but also influences various weather patterns.

In contrast, factors such as humidity in the atmosphere and high outside temperatures may contribute to different weather conditions, like the formation of clouds or thunderstorms, but they do not directly cause downdrafts. Similarly, low-pressure systems may also be involved in broader atmospheric dynamics, but the specific conditions of cold air and high winds are the key elements that result in downdraft occurrences.