Cold Pool Strength
Besides contributing directly to downdraft strength, evaporative processes also contribute to the strength of the surface cold pool, which largely determines the strength of the surface outflow winds beneath the storm.
The strength of a cold pool and its resulting wind gusts are related to the cold pool's theoretical speed of propagation. This propagation speed, in turn, depends on two things: (1) the depth of the cold pool and (2) its temperature relative to the environment. Deeper cold pools and greater temperature differences contribute to higher wind speeds.
The propagation speed of the cold pool and leading gust front affect the longevity of the storm or convective system. If the cold pool moves too quickly and outruns the storm, it can effectively cut off the supply of warm unstable air that had been fueling the storm.