In which direction do weather systems in the U.S. generally move?

Weather systems in the United States generally move from west to east due to the prevailing westerly winds found in the mid-latitudes. This is primarily influenced by the jet stream, a fast-flowing air current high in the atmosphere, which typically moves in a west-to-east direction. As these systems travel across the country, they bring changes in weather patterns, such as precipitation and temperature shifts, from the western states towards the eastern states.

In contrast, while there are specific regional influences and variations that can cause localized weather changes, the broad pattern of movement across the continental U.S. is overwhelmingly west to east. This understanding is crucial for weather forecasting and for anyone involved in aviation and dispatching, as it affects flight planning and potential weather-related delays.