A low-level core of high wind speeds aligned along the U.S. West Coast, known as the coastal jet, is a persistent feature during the summer months. The seasonal preference for such a feature is a function of several conditions; warm temperatures inland, cool air offshore maintained by coastal upwelling, and a capping inversion at the top of the marine boundary layer forced by subsidence associated with the eastern Pacific sub-tropical high.

Fifth Conference on Coastal Atmospheric and Oceanic Prediction and Processes, August 5-8, 2003