Local Winds vs Global Winds

What direction does weather move across North America? West to East!

Which global winds are responsible for the movement of weather across Northern America? Westerlies

Local Winds Winds that blow over short distances caused by unequal heating of small areas on the earth’s surface.

What’s the difference between GLOBAL and LOCAL winds? Global wind systems determine the major weather patterns for the entire planet. Local Wind systems affect local weather only.

1. Sea Breeze Caused by unequal heating rates of land and water During the day, the land heats up faster causing warm air to rise. The cooler air over the sea moves to land. Sea to Land

2. Land Breeze Caused by unequal heating rates of land and water. During the night, the water cools slower The warmer air over the water rises. Cooler air over the land moves to sea. Land to Sea

3. Jet Stream A narrow belt of strong wind that blow near the top of the troposphere. Forms at the boundary of cold, dry polar air near the north and warmer moist air from the south.

Jet Stream They move West to East @ 200 to 400 km/hr Pilots fly in the jet stream to save time and fuel. Helps move storms across the country.