Note on the structure of the high altitude strong‐wind belt in the Middle East in winter

By referring the upper-air observations at Habbaniya and Bahrein for January 1951 to the estimated central axis of the strong stream a meridional cross-section is constructed showing the mean structure for that month of the strong-wind belt in the upper troposphere over Iraq. This mean structure should apply to the stream on a particular day in contrast to the mean flow as usually computed which shows the average conditions above each observing station. The stream is found to be broad and without strong horizontal gradients. Its axis is at about 190 mb, its mean position about 32°N and the breadth of the region of highest speeds (100 kt or more) about 800 mi.