How is weather affected by jet streams?

Jets are fast moving ribbons of air high up in the atmosphere. They are responsible for transporting highs and lows. They affect precipitation and temperatures, and they mark boundaries between massive air masses. Why do I care? read more

Jet streams also have an impact on air travel and are used to determine flight patterns. An airplane can travel much faster, and save fuel, by getting “sucked up” in the jet stream. That can also cause a bumpy flight, because the jet stream is sometimes unpredictable and can cause sudden movement, even when the weather looks calm and clear. read more

Weather forecasters pay lots of attention to the positions of the jet streams because they are the boundary between warm and cold air and have much to do with how weather systems form.Jet streams have a strong effect on weather because they steer movement of high and low pressure systems, and block the movement of upper level moisture and energy. read more

Although the height of the jet stream is typically 20,000 feet or more, the influences on weather patterns can be substantial as well. High wind speeds can drive and direct storms creating devastating droughts and floods. A shift in the jet stream is a suspect in the causes of the Dust Bowl. read more