Atlanta to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

ATL → BUR · 1,937 miles · ~4h 22m

What to Expect

Your flight from Atlanta to Burbank crosses a wide variety of terrains, each potentially contributing its own type of turbulence. Initially, expect possible mechanical turbulence as you fly over the Southern Appalachians; this is where the wind interacts with the mountains. As you head west, across the Southeast Interior and Mississippi Valley, convective turbulence may occur; this results from rising warm air. The Ozark Plateau and especially Tornado Alley can bring severe convective turbulence, particularly if conditions are unstable. Over the Great Plains, you might encounter clear-air turbulence (CAT), which is often unexpected but usually manageable. As you near your destination, the Southern Rockies may cause mountain wave turbulence, and the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts may have thermal turbulence from hot air rising off the desert floor. Remember, pilots are trained to handle these well-understood weather patterns and use onboard radar to navigate the smoothest course.

The Atlanta to Burbank route passes over the Southern Rockies in New Mexico and southern Colorado. While somewhat lower than the peaks to the north, these mountains still produce notable mountain wave turbulence, particularly when strong southwesterly winds aloft align perpendicular to the ridgeline.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Mechanical Turbulence: The Southern Appalachians produce terrain-induced chop, especially during strong wind events and summer convection over the ridgeline.
• Convective Turbulence: The warm, humid Southeast interior supports frequent thunderstorm development, particularly during afternoon hours.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Southern Rockies produce lee waves when southwesterly upper-level winds flow across the terrain.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The fall months, and late fall in particular, tend to offer the smoothest flights on this route. Spring, especially late spring, can also be quite calm. Winter, summer, early spring, and early summer tend to be bumpier due to increased convective activity over the Southeast Interior, Mississippi Valley, and Ozark Plateau, and stronger jet streams contributing to clear-air turbulence over the Great Plains. The Southern Rockies' mountain wave turbulence is more pronounced during periods of strong winds aloft. The deserts are hotter in summer so more thermal turbulence arises.

Tips for This Flight

Opting for an early morning flight often means a smoother journey, as the atmosphere is typically more stable then. Any turbulence you do experience will likely feel like driving on a road with occasional potholes or rumble strips; it's more of an annoyance than a danger. Staying well-hydrated and choosing a seat over the wing can also help you feel more stable; deep, steady breaths can work wonders for calming your nerves. Remember that turbulence is a normal part of flying, and your pilots are skilled at navigating it safely.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.