Record 154 MPH Wind Found Screaming High Over Western Colorado
By Chris Spears
DENVER (CBS4) - An unusual weather record was set high in the sky early Friday.
A weather balloon released from Grand Junction measured a 134 knot (154 mph wind) wind at nearly 30,000 feet, establishing a new record for jet stream level winds at this height in the month of November over western Colorado.
Wind records for the upper atmosphere have been kept since Jan. 1, 1948.
A record of a different sort today: Our morning weather balloon measured the strongest 250mb wind speeds in our records for the month of November over western CO! This level is approximately at 30,000' - the "Jet Stream". Strong #wind, and quick flights today! ✈️ #COwx #UTwx pic.twitter.com/6FMkUYUALm
— NWS Grand Junction (@NWSGJT) November 17, 2017
RESOURCE: Click here for a calculator to convert wind speed
The powerful jet stream was associated with a trough of low pressure over the northwestern United States and was responsible for bringing wind and snow to Colorado's high country.
Meteorologist Chris Spears travels weekly in the CBS4 Mobile Weather Lab reporting about Colorado's weather and climate. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.