Where is the jet stream today?
Right now the fastest jet stream winds in the northern hemisphere are over the North Pacific, near 43°N, 168°E, at about 318 km/h (198 mph). In the southern hemisphere they are over South America and the South Atlantic, near 32°S, 68°W, at about 310 km/h (193 mph).
The jet stream is a normal part of the weather on every long flight. Pilots plan around it, and often use it to get you there sooner.
Jet stream map
- 150 to 200 km/h
- 200 to 250 km/h
- 250 to 300 km/h
- 300 km/h and above
Fastest wind between about 30,000 and 39,000 ft, for Nov 4, 00:00 UTC. NOAA GFS weather model, run of Nov 3, 18:00 UTC. Updated every few hours.
Today's jet stream by region
| Region | Fastest wind | Near | Blowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 248 km/h (154 mph) | 36°N, 104°W | West to east |
| North Atlantic | 238 km/h (148 mph) | 48°N, 58°W | West to east |
| Europe | 254 km/h (158 mph) | 69°N, 4°W | West to east |
| Asia and Middle East | 270 km/h (168 mph) | 34°N, 100°E | West to east |
| North Pacific | 318 km/h (198 mph) | 43°N, 168°E | West to east |
| South America and South Atlantic | 310 km/h (193 mph) | 32°S, 68°W | West to east |
| Southern Africa and Indian Ocean | 251 km/h (156 mph) | 48°S, 104°E | West to east |
| Australia and New Zealand | 263 km/h (163 mph) | 30°S, 135°E | West to east |
| South Pacific | 270 km/h (168 mph) | 35°S, 135°W | West to east |
What it means for your flight
- Flying east: a tailwind can shorten your flight, so airlines often route along the jet stream when they can.
- Flying west: pilots usually route around the strongest headwinds, which is one reason westbound flights are scheduled longer.
- Bumps: a steady fast wind feels smooth. Any bumps are more likely at the edges of the jet, where the wind changes quickly. That's clear air turbulence, and crews get forecasts and live reports of it. Keeping your seatbelt fastened whenever you're seated is what helps most.
This map shows wind, not turbulence
For what to expect on your own flight, check its free turbulence forecast. No app or signup needed.
Check your flightWhat is the jet stream?
Jet streams are narrow bands of strong wind high in the atmosphere. They form where warm and cold air meet: the bigger the temperature contrast, the faster the wind. That's why they tend to be strongest in winter, and why they wander north and south with the seasons and from day to day.
NOAA's National Weather Service describes a polar jet around 50 to 60 degrees latitude and a subtropical jet around 30 degrees, in both hemispheres. On average they blow at about 110 mph (177 km/h), and speeds can exceed 275 mph (442 km/h). For more on how wind shapes your flight, see what causes turbulence and when turbulence is worst.
Jet stream FAQ
Where is the jet stream right now?
It moves every day, which is why the map on this page updates every few hours. There are usually two main bands in each hemisphere: a polar jet around 50 to 60 degrees latitude and a subtropical jet around 30 degrees, according to NOAA's National Weather Service.
How fast is the jet stream?
NOAA says jet streams average about 110 mph (177 km/h), and speeds can exceed 275 mph (442 km/h). The map on this page shades winds of 150 km/h and above, where the ribbons show most clearly.
How high is the jet stream?
NOAA's pages put it between four and nine miles up, typically around 30,000 feet. That is close to where airliners cruise, which is why it matters so much for flights.
Does the jet stream cause turbulence?
Not simply by being there. A steady fast wind feels smooth, and pilots often ride the jet stream on purpose. Bumps are more likely at its edges, where wind speed changes quickly over a short distance. This is the main source of clear air turbulence.
Why are eastbound flights faster?
Jet streams generally blow from west to east, so flights heading east can pick up a tailwind, while flights heading west face a headwind or route around it. It is a big part of why New York to London is scheduled shorter than London to New York.
Is this map a turbulence forecast?
No. It shows where the wind is fastest, not where the bumps are. For the turbulence forecast on your own flight, search your flight number or route on Turbcast. It is free and needs no signup.