Atlanta to Phoenix Turbulence Forecast

ATL → PHX · 1,584 miles · ~3h 40m

What to Expect

Your flight from Atlanta to Phoenix crosses a diverse range of landscapes, each with its own potential for turbulence. Initially, expect possible mechanical turbulence as you fly over the Southern Appalachians. Further west, over the Southeast Interior and Mississippi Valley, convective turbulence is common, especially if it's a warm day. Things could get a bit rockier over the Ozark Plateau and through Tornado Alley, where severe convective turbulence can occur, particularly during storm season. As you approach Phoenix, the Southern Rockies could bring mountain wave turbulence. Finally, expect thermal turbulence as you descend over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. While this sounds like a lot, remember that pilots are highly trained to anticipate and navigate these conditions, using weather forecasts and radar to choose the smoothest possible path.

The Atlanta to Phoenix 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.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Southern Rockies produce lee waves when southwesterly upper-level winds flow across the terrain.
• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the calmest flight, aim for fall, late fall, winter, or summer. During these seasons, the atmospheric conditions over the varied terrain tend to be more stable. Winter, spring, and early summer are typically the bumpiest times to fly this route. This is because the heating of the plains creates significant convective activity, and the mountain wave turbulence is more pronounced when the jet stream is stronger. Late winter can also be rough, with storms moving across the country. The deserts are the most likely to create turbulence in the spring and summer, due to thermal lift.

Tips for This Flight

When booking, aim for a morning flight, as the atmosphere tends to be calmer earlier in the day. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving on a bumpy, unpaved road, or perhaps a boat gently rocking on the waves; it's rarely as dramatic as it feels. To stay comfortable, choose a seat over the wing, where the motion is less noticeable, and focus on slow, deep breaths throughout the flight, which can help calm your nervous system. Remember, the pilots are there to ensure a safe and comfortable flight, and they're constantly monitoring conditions.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Atlanta or to Phoenix.

More from Atlanta

More to Phoenix

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.