How does the jet stream impact us?

As we head futher into Autumn, the jet stream will be a weather term that we'll start to use more frequently. But what does it mean, and how does it influence our weather?

Located between 5 to 7 miles above the surface of the earth blowing from west to east is a fast-moving ribbon of air that we call the jet stream.

The jet stream helps steer weather systems towards the UK and Ireland and lies on the boundary between hot and cold air.

During the summer months, the jet stream is typically weaker and above or north of the UK and Ireland enabling warmer and more settled conditions to spread over us. Then during the winter, it is often stronger and positioned below us steering unsettled conditions our way.

Normally, the jet stream flows in a mainly straight manner. However, sometimes it can buckle, meander or shift. If it does any of this, weather conditions at the surface can change rather quickly.

The jet stream can also change the strength of an area of low pressure. The lower the pressure within a system, generally the stronger the wind, and the higher potential for stormy weather.

On the other hand, a slower, more buckled jet stream can cause areas of higher pressure to take charge, which typically brings less stormy weather, light winds and dry skies.

A slightly buckled jet stream this weekend will bring us some breezy and showery conditions to some areas this weekend. Whatever your plans are, know exactly what jacket to bring, with our WeatherRadar.