What is the primary characteristic of jet stream winds?

The primary characteristic of jet stream winds is that they flow generally from west to east. Jet streams are high-altitude, fast-moving air currents that significantly influence weather patterns. They occur at the boundaries of different air masses, typically found in the upper troposphere, and are primarily driven by Earth's rotation and the temperature difference between polar and tropical air.

Understanding the west-to-east flow helps in predicting the movement of weather systems, such as storms and high-pressure areas. Jet streams can vary in strength and can shift position, but their predominant flow direction is consistently from west to east, which is crucial for weather forecasting and understanding atmospheric dynamics. This distinguishes them from local winds, calm winds, and other types of atmospheric conditions.