H igh-speed winds race around the globe between four and six miles above the earth, mostly from west to east. These rivers of air are often collectively referred to as the jet stream, and they form at the boundaries of warm and cold air. Speeds average between 50 and 100 mph, but reach 250 mph. These separate bands of wind snake about, separating and combining at various times. The course of the fast winds affect air masses, which in turn affect the course of the winds.
Winter storms tend to track along the jet streams.
A storm's energy, in the form of increased thunderstorm activity, alters the path of the polar jet stream, typically kicking it further north, where it can block Arctic air from moving into the East . E-mail us with general site comments or suggestions. Newsticker for your site Earth . The Edge . News to go Asteroids .