The jet streams follow the contours of low pressure areas (troughs and ridges), which move like waves in the atmosphere across the Earth. Imagine you live in a town in North Carolina sitting beneath the trough. Predict the type of winter weather you are experiencing.
If you live in a town in North Carolina beneath a trough in the jet stream, you are likely experiencing colder and stormier winter weather. Troughs in the jet stream are associated with low pressure, which often bring in colder air from the north and create conditions for storms to develop. This can result in winter precipitation such as snow, sleet, or freezing rain. Additionally, troughs tend to slow down the movement of weather systems, leading to prolonged periods of unsettled weather with potentially significant snowfall accumulations. So, if you are in a town beneath a trough in the jet stream in North Carolina, you may expect to see a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes and potentially difficult travel conditions.
