Buffalo to Savannah Turbulence Forecast

BUF → SAV · 759 miles · ~2h 1m

What to Expect

Your flight from Buffalo to Savannah, heading south for about two hours, does cross a few types of terrain that can create bumps, but remember pilots are trained to handle this! Right after takeoff, as you fly over the Northern Appalachians, you might feel some mechanical turbulence, which is like going over speed bumps caused by the mountains disrupting the airflow. The Great Lakes can also cause lake-effect turbulence, especially if there's a temperature difference between the water and the air, but this is usually localized. Further along, as you approach the Southern Appalachians, you might encounter more mechanical turbulence. Over the Ohio Valley, frontal turbulence can occur if there are weather fronts moving through the area. Finally, as you descend into the Southeast Interior, there's a chance of convective turbulence, which is caused by warm air rising, particularly in the afternoons.

Between Buffalo and Savannah, the route crosses the Northern Appalachians from Pennsylvania through New England. While lower than western ranges, the Appalachians still produce mechanical turbulence and low-level wind shear, particularly when strong northwest winds follow cold frontal passages. Flights below 20,000 feet feel this most acutely.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Mechanical Turbulence: The Northern Appalachians generate low-level mechanical turbulence during strong post-frontal northwest winds.
• Lake-Effect Turbulence: The Great Lakes produce lake-effect convection and low-level wind shear from land-water temperature contrasts.
• Frontal Turbulence: The Ohio Valley is a preferred storm track where frontal boundaries and embedded convection create turbulence year-round.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim for summer or early fall. The air tends to be more stable then, minimizing both frontal and convective turbulence. Spring and late fall can also be relatively smooth. Winter, late fall, early winter, and spring tend to be the bumpiest times. This is because temperature contrasts are sharper, leading to stronger mechanical and lake-effect turbulence over the mountains and Great Lakes. Stronger weather systems crossing the Ohio Valley also contribute to frontal turbulence during the colder months.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, try to book your flight for the morning, as convective turbulence in the Southeast Interior tends to be less common then. If you do experience turbulence, it's likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, not usually anything severe. To help stay calm, choose a window seat over the wing; many find it reassuring to have a visual reference point. Focus on slow, deep breathing to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which can help calm any anxiety. Remember, the pilots are experienced professionals, and turbulence is a normal part of flying.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.