Description

The African easterly jet is a prominent wind feature over northern Africa in summer. 

The jet core is near 15°N on the west coast with a tendency for southward displacement inland. The jet maximum is around 25 kts at FL100

Formation

The jet is caused by the temperature contrast between the Sahara Desert (around 45°C) and the Gulf of Guinea (around 23°). The temperature contrast is maximum in the summer months. 

The jet core moves north from around 5°N in January to 15°N in August. It is strongest in August when speeds reach 25 kts and weakens as the jet moves south in October and November.