How does the jet stream impact us?

Two severe storms are being driven by the jet stream this week, but do you know what the jet stream is and how it influences 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 and this is what is happening right now.

Areas of low pressure are being pushed towards the UK and Ireland by the jet stream led by fierce gale force winds.