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A Weather Ready Report: Powerful atmospheric currents play a pivotal role in aviation and Wisconsin’s weather
Have you ever noticed how flights traveling east often seem quicker, while westbound journeys can feel longer and bumpier? There’s a culprit behind this phenomenon known as the jet stream. It’s a high-altitude river of wind that significantly shapes flight patterns and Wisconsin’s weather.
Jet streams are relatively narrow bands of strong winds located around 30,000 feet in the atmosphere. These powerful currents typically flow from west to east and can reach speeds exceeding 275 mph. However, the path isn’t straight; but wavers north and south, following the boundaries between hot and cold air masses. This meandering behavior is especially pronounced during winter when the temperature contrasts between air masses are most significant.
According to the National Weather Service: The winds drive where weather systems go and how strong they are. They often separate the colder air to the north and the warmer air to the south in North America. This separation is crucial in determining weather patterns, particularly in regions like Wisconsin, where the interaction of different air masses can lead to varied and sometimes extreme conditions.
The current influence leans more towards the subtropical jet stream in the Badgers state, which shifts southward during autumn. This move brings about significant wind and temperature differences. For instance, when both the polar and subtropical jets move closer together, regions like northern Wisconsin may experience snow, while southern areas face storms—a pattern observed last winter when the subtropical jet settled centrally and the polar jet lingered in southern Canada.
These jet streams also play a crucial role in aviation. Since 1952, commercial pilots have utilized them to optimize flight routes. Eastward flights benefit from the tailwinds of the jet stream, gaining speed and reducing travel time. Conversely, westward flights often contend with headwinds, which can slow them down and sometimes lead to turbulence. One of the more hazardous aviation challenges associated with jet streams is clear air turbulence. This type of turbulence arises from the vertical and horizontal wind shear within the jet streams and isn’t linked to any visible weather patterns, making it difficult for pilots to anticipate. It can be strong enough to cause an airplane to suddenly drop as much as 100 feet, posing risks to both aircraft and passengers.
Despite these challenges, understanding the jet stream is essential for both meteorologists and aviators. They are akin to “rivers of air,” continuously shaping weather systems and influencing flight paths across the globe. As scientists predict a La Niña winter, the behavior of the jet streams will likely continue to play a significant role in determining Wisconsin’s weather—potentially bringing colder temperatures to some areas while others remain milder.
So, the next time you board a plane or experience an unexpected snowfall in Wisconsin, remember the powerful jet streams high above are orchestrating these events. And while it can present challenges, especially for aviation, there’s also a fascinating component to our planet’s intricate climate system. Don’t let the unpredictability of these high-altitude winds deter you from enjoying the unique weather landscapes that Wisconsin has to offer, even when winter transforms the state into a picturesque frozen tundra.
If you enjoyed this story, originally airing as part of the NEWisco Weekend show on local Civic Media radio stations WGBW 97.9 FM/1590 AM in Green Bay and WISS 98.3 FM/1100 AM in Oshkosh, you’ll find a new show on-air every weekend, Saturday mornings at 8 and Sundays at 11.
You can also check out the show’s podcast page anytime here.
