Burbank to Bentonville Turbulence Forecast

BUR → XNA · 1,361 miles · ~3h 13m

What to Expect

Your Burbank to Bentonville flight crosses diverse terrain, making it prone to a variety of turbulence types. Immediately after departure, expect possible thermal turbulence over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, caused by rising hot air. As you continue east, the Southern Rockies can create mountain wave turbulence, similar to choppy water around a boat. Further along, over the Great Plains, be prepared for clear-air turbulence (CAT), which is often unexpected but usually mild. Closer to your destination, particularly over Tornado Alley, you might encounter severe convective turbulence, especially during storm season. Finally, the Ozark Plateau can generate convective turbulence, due to the area's humid air. It's important to remember pilots are trained to navigate these conditions, and modern aircraft are built to withstand significant turbulence. These are well-understood, predictable weather patterns.

The Burbank to Bentonville 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.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest flight, aim for winter or fall. Winter usually sees calmer air over most of the route. Summer can also be relatively smooth, but it's also the season most prone to thermal turbulence over the deserts and convective turbulence near the Ozarks. Late winter, spring, early spring, early summer, and summer are often the bumpiest times, especially over Tornado Alley where severe convective turbulence is more frequent due to storm activity and the clash of warm and cold air masses.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, book a morning flight, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you encounter will likely feel like driving over a slightly bumpy, unpaved road; it's more annoying than dangerous. Choose a seat over the wing for a slightly more stable ride, stay well-hydrated, and practice deep, slow breathing to remain calm. Remember that the crew is there to support you, and turbulence is a normal part of flying, even though it might feel unsettling.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.