BlizzardWx

An easier way around that is to look at dynamic tropopause maps. The tropopause elevation depends on the airmass and so it tends to be higher in the tropics and lower in the polar regions. At any rate the jet stream (whether polar or subtropical) will show up on this map. That said the subtropical jet is normally higher but its not always at the same altitude. Even so it will normally be visible on the 200 or 300mb maps.

It's interesting that when you look at the large scale pattern that the NPAC Ridge that we have been dealing with for the last few years is still there (although its a bit weaker now it will strengthen towards next week), but the enhanced southerly jet has obviously become important. General pattern looks to remain locked in with a rex block setting up over the west next week. Probably will continue to see a strong jet into the southern plains, and so I would expect at a minimum, more severe weather than average for the next 2-3 weeks.

I will be transferring to the University of Utah to get my meteorology degree. They aren't the top school out there but they have a good program. Also Penn State has one of the best programs in the country I've been told.