The Jet Stream

The jet stream is a band of very fast wind high up in the sky. It flows like a river of air around the Earth. Jet streams are found about 30,000 feet up, where airplanes fly. They move from west to east and can blow over 100 miles per hour. The jet stream helps push storms and clouds across the world.

How It Works

The jet stream forms because of the way hot and cold air mix. Warm air from near the equator meets cold air from the poles. This causes strong winds to blow between them. Earth also spins, which makes the wind curve and move fast. The jet stream bends and wiggles as it flows around the planet.

Why It Matters

Pilots use the jet stream to help airplanes fly faster. Flying with the jet stream can save fuel and time. It also controls our weather by pushing storms along. When the jet stream dips south, cold weather comes with it. Weather forecasters watch the jet stream to help guess what tomorrow will bring.

Fun Facts

• Jet streams were first discovered by pilots in World War II.
• Flights from New York to London are faster than the return trip because of the jet stream.
• Jet streams can be over 1,000 miles long but only a few miles wide.

Did You Know?

The jet stream moves so fast that it can circle the whole Earth in just a few days.