Earth’s Winds: Understanding Their Power and Impact

Rapid Summary

• A NOAA-operated satellite network has created a complete real-time model of the Earth’s wind patterns.
• The data visualizes winds at different altitudes: surface-level (yellow), midlevel where single-engine aircraft operate (cyan), and higher altitudes like jet streams used for commercial aviation (red).
• Wind tracking is vital for various applications, including plotting aviation routes, predicting wildfire risks, precipitation patterns, and storm trajectories.
• There are increasing concerns about the unpredictability of wind patterns and accompanying storms in recent years.
• The model uses imagery from visible light to infrared light reflecting off water vapor to create a layered portrait of moving air currents globally.

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