Weather

Cliffs Mass Weather Blog: Strong jet currents in the Pacific Ocean, heavy rainfall in Western Norway, and strong trade winds over Hawaii: All Connected.


As noted in an earlier blog, a very strong jet stream is developing over the northern Pacific and will result in a rapid eastward flight over the Pacific. Japan Airlines flight from Tokyo to Seattle flew in less than 8 hours yesterday!

But The atmosphere is interconnected and there are effects of this flow pattern across the northern Pacific Ocean.

For example, circulation is creating very strong winds from the West in the upper troposphere mean jet stream (about 25,000 to 35000 ft ASL) resulting in strong trade winds from the East in the subtropics!

Much of Hawaii is unaffected by extreme northeasterly winds, with speeds of 30-45 mph (see chart of winds and gusts at noon PDT). Surfing and small boat warnings are in place for much of Hawaii now. Snorkeling won’t be so good in the Northeast of the islands, but those looking for big waves will enjoy.

Wind gusts around noon on Sunday (and gusts showing direction)


For the source of the strong Hawaiian winds, here’s the sea level pressure forecast for Saturday afternoon. Red and brown indicate high pressure and green low pressure. Strong high pressure is found north of Hawaii, with winter (trade) winds to the south (I have indicated the wind direction with white arrows).


High pressure just north of Hawaii is at the heart of the strong trade winds.

But what about the low pressure north at about 50-60 degrees north latitude? That low pressure is associated with hurricanes and cyclones in between.


If we were high up in the atmosphere, say about 18,000 ft (pressure level 500 hPa), you could see a reflection of surface conditions, with high pressure (or altitude) to the south and lower pressure (or elevation) in the north.

The large change in pressure in the north-south direction is related to the jet stream … and
in this situation, a very strong jet stream from the west (check out my NW weather book for an explanation of how it works).

So, with the north-Pacific Ocean dominated by a deep low to the north and a subtropical high, we get a FEEL of a very strong jet stream from the west and a trade wind. strong in the south. Now you know why.


Finally, with a strong jet stream targeting our area, there will be strong upward movement and precipitation over the area’s terrain…. mountains will be severely impacted…. and about 4000 ft of snow will be cool enough. (see rainfall for the next three days below – orange is the heavy stuff).



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