The strong jet stream is developing due to a steep temperature gradient between an Arctic air mass moving deep into the southern US States and warm subtropical air mass originating from the Caribbean.
The jet stream is a relatively narrow band of strong wind travelling west to east in the upper levels of the atmosphere, typically occurring at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
At present, the strongest wind gusts in Ireland this week are unlikely to exceed 110 km/h so a repeat of Storms Darragh and Éowyn is highly unlikely due to the north-westerly and offshore track of the low pressure systems on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
A strong stratospheric polar vortex is also helping to enhance the jet stream.
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| Low temperatures in the USA. Credit Meteociel |
The jet stream is a relatively narrow band of strong wind travelling west to east in the upper levels of the atmosphere, typically occurring at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
The band often shifts north and south because jet streams follow the boundaries between hot and cold air and, ultimately, act like a conveyer belt for Atlantic depressions.
The energy generated by the steep temperature gradient mentioned above is illustrated in the forecast jet stream position and strength for this Saturday.
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| The Jet Stream forecast for this Saturday. Credit Meteociel |
At present, the strongest wind gusts in Ireland this week are unlikely to exceed 110 km/h so a repeat of Storms Darragh and Éowyn is highly unlikely due to the north-westerly and offshore track of the low pressure systems on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
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