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What is the Jet Stream?
February 22, 2024 at 04:00 AM EST
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Mark Paquette
The jet stream is a narrow, fast-flowing ribbon of air in the upper atmosphere, typically located between 5 and 9 miles (8 and 14 kilometers) above the Earth's surface within the troposphere. It flows from west to east in a somewhat meandering path around the globe, generally following the boundaries between warm and cold air masses. Jet streams are strongest in the winter months and at higher latitudes.
Key characteristics of the jet stream include:
Speed: Jet streams can travel at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour), although speeds vary depending on location, time of year, and other atmospheric factors.
Location: There are typically two main jet streams in each hemisphere: the polar jet stream and the subtropical jet stream. The polar jet stream is located closer to the poles, while the subtropical jet stream is situated at lower latitudes, closer to the equator.
Formation: Jet streams are formed due to the temperature contrast between air masses. The temperature difference creates a pressure gradient, which in turn generates strong winds. Additionally, the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect) influences the direction of the jet stream, causing it to flow from west to east.
Impact on Weather: Jet streams play a significant role in shaping weather patterns and influencing the movement of storm systems. They can steer weather systems, such as low-pressure systems and associated fronts, impacting precipitation, temperature, and wind patterns across vast regions.
Aviation: Pilots often take advantage of jet streams to save time and fuel when flying long distances. By flying within or near the jet stream, aircraft can benefit from strong tailwinds, reducing travel time for flights traveling in the same direction as the jet stream.
Understanding the behavior and characteristics of jet streams is crucial for meteorologists, as they can provide valuable insights into upcoming weather patterns and help predict the movement of storms and other weather phenomena.
Key characteristics of the jet stream include:
Speed: Jet streams can travel at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour), although speeds vary depending on location, time of year, and other atmospheric factors.
Location: There are typically two main jet streams in each hemisphere: the polar jet stream and the subtropical jet stream. The polar jet stream is located closer to the poles, while the subtropical jet stream is situated at lower latitudes, closer to the equator.
Formation: Jet streams are formed due to the temperature contrast between air masses. The temperature difference creates a pressure gradient, which in turn generates strong winds. Additionally, the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect) influences the direction of the jet stream, causing it to flow from west to east.
Impact on Weather: Jet streams play a significant role in shaping weather patterns and influencing the movement of storm systems. They can steer weather systems, such as low-pressure systems and associated fronts, impacting precipitation, temperature, and wind patterns across vast regions.
Aviation: Pilots often take advantage of jet streams to save time and fuel when flying long distances. By flying within or near the jet stream, aircraft can benefit from strong tailwinds, reducing travel time for flights traveling in the same direction as the jet stream.
Understanding the behavior and characteristics of jet streams is crucial for meteorologists, as they can provide valuable insights into upcoming weather patterns and help predict the movement of storms and other weather phenomena.
Image by Siraq Razick from Pixabay