What are the Jet Streams? What is the significance of the Jet Streams?

Jet streams refer to the concentrated bands of rapid air movement found at the tropopause and the stratosphere, located at 10-15 km above the surface of the Earth.

The significance of jet streams is as follows-

1. Most weather systems are moved forward with the jet streams. The position and strength of the jet stream then helps meteorologists forecast future weather events.
2. The airline industry consistently uses the jet stream for its flights, which reduces the flight time and aids in reduction in fuel consumption.
3. Precipitation usually increases in California because the polar jet stream moves farther south and brings more storms with it. In addition, precipitation often increases in Europe because the jet stream is stronger in the Northern Atlantic.
4. Whatever the position of the jet stream, it has a significant impact on the world's weather patterns and severe weather events like floods and droughts.