Bentonville to Milwaukee Turbulence Forecast

XNA → MKE · 573 miles · ~1h 39m

What to Expect

The flight from Bentonville (XNA) to Milwaukee (MKE) can have some interesting air. You'll be heading northeast, crossing a variety of terrains that can influence the air. Right after takeoff, you'll be over the Ozark Plateau, which can experience convective turbulence, especially in warmer months when rising air creates bumps. Then, you'll be flying through Tornado Alley, which, as the name suggests, can have severe convective turbulence during storm season. As you continue, you'll cross the Mississippi Valley, also prone to convective bumps. Closer to your destination, you'll encounter the Great Lakes, where lake-effect turbulence can occur, particularly when cold air moves over the warmer lake waters. Finally, you may experience clear-air turbulence (CAT) over the Upper Midwest; this type of turbulence is often caused by jet streams and can be a bit unpredictable, but pilots are very skilled at anticipating it.

Flights between Bentonville and Milwaukee cross the Ozark Plateau in Arkansas and Missouri. The Ozarks are a modest turbulence producer on their own, but the plateau sits at the intersection of Gulf moisture, Great Plains dry air, and cold Canadian air masses — making it a hotspot for convective turbulence and frontal-zone windshear.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Convective Turbulence: The Ozark Plateau frequently lies at the convergence of contrasting air masses, fueling thunderstorms and convective turbulence.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The Upper Midwest sits beneath frequent polar jet stream intrusions, producing clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The fall and winter months generally offer the smoothest rides on this route, with early fall often being particularly calm. Summer can be fairly smooth too. Spring, early summer, late fall, and early winter tend to be bumpier. This is because spring and early summer are peak times for thunderstorms and strong convective activity in Tornado Alley and the Mississippi Valley. Late fall and early winter can bring lake-effect turbulence near the Great Lakes as colder air passes over the relatively warm waters. Clear-air turbulence, while possible year-round, can also be more common during the transitional seasons.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking your flight for early morning can sometimes lead to a smoother experience, as the atmosphere is often more stable before the day heats up. If you do experience bumps, it's likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road or the sensation of a small dip on a roller coaster; nothing alarming, just a bit of movement. Staying well-hydrated can help you feel more comfortable during the flight, so bring a water bottle to sip on, and remember that the flight crew is always there to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.