PHILADELPHIA - A disturbance in the mid-level of the atmosphere passed through the Northeast Tuesday. Meanwhile, the jet stream with strong winds was passing through Delaware and southern New Jersey during the day.
A jet streak – which is a stronger push of air within the jet stream.The combination of the two forces provides some explanation for the sound many heard Tuesday afternoon, because of a temperature inversion.A temperature inversion happens when warm air is in the upper atmosphere while colder air is at the surface.
Sound is trapped in the cool, lower level.Any kind of boom or sound that happens in the upper atmosphere and comes down to the ground will be trapped and that sound will travel farther.