Atlanta to Spokane Turbulence Forecast

ATL → GEG · 1,965 miles · ~4h 26m

What to Expect

Your flight from Atlanta to Spokane, heading northwest across nearly 2000 miles, will likely encounter a few different types of turbulence, all of which are very familiar to pilots. Early on, as you leave Atlanta and fly over the Southern Appalachians, expect some mechanical turbulence, which is essentially just bumps caused by wind interacting with the mountains. As you continue, crossing the Southeast Interior and Mississippi Valley, keep in mind that convective turbulence, which is caused by rising warm air, can be common. You'll then fly over the Ozark Plateau and Tornado Alley, where severe convective turbulence is possible, though pilots are adept at navigating around these areas. Later, crossing the Great Plains, anticipate the possibility of clear-air turbulence (CAT), which can occur even in seemingly clear skies. Finally, as you approach Spokane over the Northern Rockies, be prepared for mountain wave turbulence, another type of bumpiness caused by wind interacting with the mountains.

The Atlanta to Spokane route crosses the Northern Rockies, a rugged expanse of high peaks in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Mountain wave turbulence is frequent here, especially when Pacific storm systems push strong winds over the Continental Divide. Pilots often report moderate chop between 30,000 and 40,000 feet over this region.

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 Northern Rockies generate powerful lee waves when Pacific fronts drive westerly flow across the high terrain.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The fall months generally offer the smoothest flights between Atlanta and Spokane. Spring also tends to be relatively calm. Winter, however, can bring more mechanical turbulence as stronger winds interact with the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, while summer can see increased convective turbulence, especially over the Southeast Interior, Mississippi Valley, and Ozark Plateau. Early spring, late fall, and early summer may also present more opportunities for turbulence due to unstable weather patterns, but this can vary greatly from year to year.

Tips for This Flight

Opting for an early morning flight will often provide a smoother ride, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable before the day heats up. Any turbulence you encounter along this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road for a few minutes at a time, rather than anything dramatic. To help stay relaxed, choose a seat over the wing, as it experiences less motion than other parts of the plane. Staying well-hydrated can also help you feel more comfortable, and remember that the flight crew is always there to ensure your safety and well-being.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.