New jet stream maps on ABC13

We're using some new jet stream maps on 13 Eyewitness News. Instead of just showing a bunch of arrows on a map, we're showing you real data now.

In the sample image to the right, the gray lines indicate the wind flow and the color shading designates the wind speed at about 25,000 feet above the ground. The shades of red and orange represent winds blowing over 100 mph. We overlay the satellite imagery on top of the wind data so you can see the direct effects of the jet stream.

What you'll notice right away, is that the jet stream is not one continuous river of wind. Rather the winds in the upper atmosphere move along in streaks. These powerful bursts of wind play an important role in the intensity and movement of storms crossing country. 

Tell me what you think about the new jet stream maps. Do you like them? Are they confusing? Post your comments below.

Comments

[Zach]

i think they look kinda cool! it helps me understand the jet stream.

[Dean Riley]

Very interesting. This almost looks like isobars on a surface map except this is at 25,000 feet. It would be interesting to overlay this with fronts to better understand how the jet and fronts relate to each other. It would also be interesting to see what this looked like when dangerous storms were present. I didn't see a date or time stamp on this photo so I don't know if this was before or after terrible storms that hit Missouri. I'm guessing before. If this was, indeed, taken before those storms, then I can begin understand a little as to why they were bad. On the whole, I like the map and hope to learn more from it.

Dean

[dbrown]

I love the maps. I have been studying weather maps for the last 25 years.

[Jason D,]

Personally, i like it....a lot.
The more info the better. I noticed it when you put it up during the weather segment, but didnt really understand what it was showing. Now that i know, its even more interesting.

[TexasTiger]

The jetstream maps are awesome, it gives a much better visual than just the arrows. An enhancement which I'm sure you've thought about would be the option to "Loop" this image such as with storm fronts to observe the direction. Looking forward to the new maps.

RESPONSE from Tim Heller: Yes, on-air the satellite data "loops" so you can see the flow of the weather. We can also show the forecast movement of the jet stream up to 10 days into the future. Thanks for your comments!

[Richard Price]

I've always heard about the jet stream, how it influences weather patterns. But I have trouble locating maps showing the stream. So I only have a vague grasp of where it is, how it plays a role in what I experience outside.
This map looks great. I like the intensity and direction coupled with the satellite view.
Are you going to post this on the web site on a regular basis?

RESPONSE from Tim Heller: The new jet stream maps are only shown on-air, not online, at this time. Mainly because they need some explanation to decipher what the map is showing.

[Howard Drabek]

Thank you for the detail Channel 13 puts into its forecasts. Other weather reports seem to have "dumbed down" the forecasts by taking out dew points, wind direction and speed, not including Celsius, etc. Perhaps they assume that we haven't a clue what these things mean. Many in the viewing audience appreciate the respect you have for our knowledge in meteorology (especially the pilots)!