Thousands of feet into the sky lies natures very own amusement park. Otherwise known as the atmosphere, this park contains magnificent amounts of gas and moisture. The continuation of the amusement park is partially due to the wind, which is one the most basic and critical aspects to the atmosphere. One main exhibit to this park is it's very own roller coaster. Labeled as the jet stream, this speedy giant steers its way throughout the world by aiding to maneuver and enhance storms, as well as separate hot and cold air.
It is important to note how wind, the jet stream's component, is produced. The wind is formed when air pressure is higher in one region and lower in another region. The greater the differences between the two pressures eventually prelude towards the significance of the wind. All in all, the jet stream is a river of fast flowing upper level wind that occurs around 20,000 feet in the air. The stream of air usually flows from west to east at a minimum of 57 M.P.H. Slower winds also surround the jet stream away from its core. Usually, the jet stream separates two air masses and can also aid to enhance a storm system.
There are two jet stream patterns that affect North Conway's weather. The zonal flow occurs from west to east where it produces mild temperatures with insignificant contrasts. The region also witnesses no organized storms because of very little supply in energy. On the other side of the spectrum, the meridional flow produces extreme weather for our lives. This jet stream pattern is often associated with troughs and ridges. A trough is an area of low pressure that supplies very cold air from Canada, while a ridge can produce extremely warm and dry conditions from the Gulf of Mexico. These two circumstances have been significant players in North Conway's recent weather.
The Mount Washington Valley can receive blasts of arctic chill with strong winter storms from November through April. These conditions can be due in part to the polar front, which is a cold front that separates frigid conditions towards the north with a warmer climate towards the south. This front is strongest during the winter months, but quite weak during the summer months. Air movements that are associated with the polar front lead to the development of the polar jet stream. Therefore, during cold outbreaks, the polar front slams through the United States as the polar jet stream consequently follows. This sets up the stage for prolonged periods of cold and stormy weather.
Have you ever wondered why North Conway occasionally receives prolonged days of wet and overcast conditions? One reason is due to a stalled low-pressure system that becomes separated from the main belt of the jet stream. Nothing is capable to steer this storm as it sits and spins for days. Such a scenario, as well as periods of warmth and sun, are made possible through nature's very own roller coaster, the jet stream.