Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For Hobbyists & Makers · Rossby Waves

Rossby Waves for a lightning strike

Built for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker. Simulate a lightning strike live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Rossby WavesLive

the meandering jet stream

Controls

Speed1×

Presets

Wave number

Amplitude

The jet stream does not flow straight — it meanders in giant planetary Rossby waves, driven by the Earth's rotation varying with latitude. These waves carry weather systems around the globe and, when they grow large and stall, lock in heat waves, cold snaps, and floods. A few long waves circle the whole hemisphere.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Wave number4

Wavelength10000 km

Driftwestward vs flow

Governing equation

ω = - \frac{β k}{k ^{2} + l ^{2}}, c = - \frac{β}{k ^{2}} (k = 4)

Reading this result: A few long Rossby waves with this 10000 km wavelength drift westward relative to the jet and steer the mid-latitude storm track.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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More with Rossby Waves

Rossby Waves for a thunderstorm Rossby Waves for a hurricane track Rossby Waves for a tornado Rossby Waves for a heat wave Rossby Waves for a cold front Rossby Waves for a sea breeze Rossby Waves for a flash flood Rossby Waves for a snowstorm

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for hobbyists & makers?: Yes — this version of "Rossby Waves for a lightning strike" is framed for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.