What effects does the jet stream have on weather patterns?

Question

What effects does the jet stream have on weather patterns?

Answer 1

The jet stream is part of the current weather pattern.  The strength, location, and movement of shortwave energy associated with the jet stream are usually what many forecasters will look closely at in order to forecast how the weather (pattern) will change.  Each of these shortwaves will usually cause minor changes to the main flow of the jet.  Thus, with each passing wave, you will usually find at least a few small changes of the jet pattern.  

In other words, the energy associated with the jet will play a part in the overall change the weather pattern.  And these changes in the weather pattern are reflected on the changes we see in the jet stream over time.

Answer 2

The jet stream is the ordained steering mechanism of typical storms that travel across the country from west to east.

Answer 3

The Jet Stream effect.  We are learning more every day, but to be able to quantify this on yahoo, we don't know enough yet.  The earth is a big place, with many phenomena affecting our climate.  Weather patterns are not influenced by the jet stream alone.

A better question might be 'What are the peer reviewed cutting edge climate science studies, backed by OBSERVATIONS, invloving the jet stream?'

Answer 4

I had the rare opportunity to see the southern profile of a jet stream from a high flying jet. We had a bumpy ride along our path south of the JS.

Weather phenomena are at work north of the jet stream. When it recedes north during the summer, you have a long hot summer.