The Jet Stream

The Jet Stream is wind that circles the Earth at high speeds. This air current, or flow of wind, is located in the area about five miles above the Earth. The summit of Everest is five and a half miles above sea level. It is hit all year long by these extreme winds.

Climbers wait for the right time of year to try and make it to the top of the mountain. In early May the jet stream is usually pushed north and off the main ascent of the mountains by huge rainstorms to the south called ‘monsoons.’ In the fall the jet stream can also be pushed northward. When the wind is not hitting the summit so strongly, it is possible for climbers to get to the top. Still, they need to watch the skies carefully and wait for the right moment. Jet stream winds can be over 150 miles per hour at the summit!