Reflecting on the forces producing winds, how does the fact that North America extends from the warm sub-tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the cold, dry interior of Canada contribute to jet stream wind speeds?
Examine the average March, May, and July jet stream winds in Figures 19 through 21. How does the position of the strongest jet stream winds change from March to July? Why does the geographical shift occur?
The central part of North America has no appreciable mountains blocking north or south winds. How does this contribute to tornado development?
Figures 22 through 24 show average March, May, and July winds at 850-mb (about 1.5 kilometers or 1 mile above the surface). How does the flow of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico differ among the three months?