The jet stream, or any wind, is the result of differences in surface temperature. In simple terms, warm air rises, creating low pressure, and cold air sinks, creating high pressure. Wind is the ...

Climate scientists have long watched the jet stream with fascination and growing concern. These rivers of air racing across our planet at altitudes of roughly 5-9 miles dictate much of our day-to-day ...

The jet stream also played a role in the 2025 hurricane season. Given its west-to-east wind direction, the southward dip of the jet stream—along with a weak high pressure system over the ...

Finally, the wavy jet stream became locked in place by persistent high-pressure systems, anchoring storm tracks over the same regions. This led to repeated episodes of heavy rainfall and catastrophic ...