Bentonville to Tucson Turbulence Forecast

XNA → TUS · 992 miles · ~2h 29m

What to Expect

Your upcoming flight from Bentonville to Tucson, covering 992 miles westward, will likely encounter a variety of turbulence types, given the diverse terrain below. Initially, as you depart Bentonville, you might experience some convective turbulence over the Ozark Plateau, especially if it's a warm day; this is simply air rising and falling due to uneven heating of the ground. As you progress westward, you'll cross Tornado Alley, an area prone to severe convective turbulence, particularly during storm season. Further along, over the Great Plains, expect possible clear-air turbulence (CAT), which occurs at higher altitudes and isn't always visible on radar. Approaching the Southern Rockies, mountain wave turbulence can occur as air flows over the mountains, creating waves in the atmosphere. Finally, as you descend toward Tucson over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, thermal turbulence could be present due to hot desert air rising.

The Bentonville to Tucson 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

• Convective Turbulence: The Ozark Plateau frequently lies at the convergence of contrasting air masses, fueling thunderstorms and convective turbulence.
• 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.
• 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 smoothest experience on this route, aim to fly during the fall. Winter and summer also tend to be calmer than other seasons. Spring, early summer, winter, early spring, and late winter, however, tend to be bumpier. This is because these periods see increased convective activity over the Ozarks and Tornado Alley, and stronger jet stream patterns that contribute to clear-air turbulence over the Great Plains, and mountain wave activity near the Rockies. Summer desert heat contributes to thermal turbulence.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking your flight for the morning is often your best bet, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable early in the day. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road or a sudden dip, rather than anything truly jarring. To enhance your comfort, choose a seat over the wing; this area of the plane experiences less motion. Remember to stay hydrated and practice deep, calming breaths throughout the flight; pilots are highly skilled at navigating these conditions, and your safety is their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.