Burbank to Albuquerque Turbulence Forecast

BUR → ABQ · 670 miles · ~1h 50m

What to Expect

BUR to ABQ: it's a fairly short east-bound hop, about 1 hour and 50 minutes, but it crosses some terrain that can lead to bumps. You'll be flying over two deserts, the Mojave and the Sonoran, where rising hot air creates what's called thermal turbulence. Think of it like the air shimmering above hot asphalt on a summer day, but on a much larger scale. Later in the flight, you'll encounter the Southern Rockies, which can cause mountain wave turbulence, a bit like the waves that form when water flows over rocks in a stream. Pilots are very familiar with these types of turbulence. They monitor weather conditions and use onboard radar to navigate and often avoid the roughest patches. They also communicate with other aircraft to share real-time turbulence reports, all to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

The Burbank to Albuquerque 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

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

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride on this route, aim for winter or fall. The air tends to be more stable then, with less of that thermal lift from the desert landscapes. Summer can be a bit bumpier, especially midday, as the desert heats up and creates more thermal activity. Late winter and spring can also see increased turbulence as weather patterns shift over the mountains. But even during bumpier seasons, it's often just a matter of short periods of mild chop.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is generally your best bet. The air is usually calmer before the day heats up. Any turbulence you do experience on this route will likely feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, and will probably only last a few minutes at a time. Choosing a seat over the wing can minimize the sensation of movement. Remember to stay hydrated and practice deep, slow breathing to help you relax. The pilots and crew are highly trained to handle all conditions, and their priority is always your safety and comfort. You're in good hands.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.