What meteorological phenomenon drives weather systems to move west to east in mid-latitudes?

The prevailing westerlies are the primary winds that drive weather systems to move from west to east in mid-latitude regions. These winds occur between approximately 30 to 60 degrees latitude in both hemispheres and are characterized by a consistent west-to-east flow. This pattern is influenced by the Earth's rotation and the distribution of land and sea, creating a belt of winds that help move storm systems, fronts, and other meteorological phenomena across these latitudes.

Understanding the role of the prevailing westerlies is crucial for comprehending how weather patterns develop and change, as they influence not only local weather but also broader climatic conditions. In contrast, the polar winds typically move in the opposite direction, from east to west, and do not contribute to the west-to-east movement of weather systems in the mid-latitudes. The trade winds, occurring in the tropics, primarily blow from east to west and have a different impact on weather dynamics. Ocean currents, while they play a significant role in climate and temperature regulation, do not directly drive the movement of weather systems in the same manner as the prevailing westerlies.