Wind Speed - 300 mb Current
This is a contour plot of 300 mb wind speeds in knots. The contour interval is 10 knots. This level is referred to as the jet stream level. Areas of bold winds at this level (winds > 100 knots or 115 mph), commonly referred to as jets, indicate areas of high atmospheric energy. These are created by bold temperature contrasts in the lower and middle tropopause and reflect areas of potential storm development. A bold jet (winds >130 knots) can indicate the potential for the development of a bold low pressure system especially when if moves over the Rocky mountains and into the Plains states. A bold jet hitting the west coast can indicate the existence of a bold precipitation producing system.