Burbank to Birmingham Turbulence Forecast

BUR → BHM · 1,806 miles · ~4h 7m

What to Expect

Your Burbank to Birmingham flight, clocking in around four hours, will take you east across a variety of landscapes, each with its own potential for turbulence. Early on, you'll be flying over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence, caused by rising warm air, can create some initial bumps. As you continue eastward, you'll encounter the Southern Rockies, and these mountains can generate mountain wave turbulence, an effect similar to waves forming on water. Further along the route, you'll cross through Tornado Alley, and then the Ozark Plateau and Mississippi Valley, all of which are prone to convective turbulence, meaning bumps from thunderstorms or rapidly rising air. Finally, you'll fly over the Southeast Interior before arriving at your destination; this region can also experience convective turbulence. Remember, pilots are constantly monitoring and adjusting to weather conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable flight. They are trained to navigate these well-understood patterns.

The Burbank to Birmingham 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.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The winter and late fall months typically offer the smoothest flights on this route. The cooler air minimizes thermal and convective turbulence. Summer, late winter, spring, and early summer tend to be bumpier. During these months, increased solar heating in the deserts can lead to more thermal turbulence early in the flight. The severe weather season in Tornado Alley and generally unsettled atmospheric conditions over the Ozarks, the Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast Interior increase the likelihood of convective turbulence. Mountain wave turbulence in the Rockies is most common in late winter and spring.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is often your best bet, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you do encounter on this route will likely feel like driving on a bumpy road or a series of gentle nudges, although occasional moderate bumps are possible. For added comfort, choose a seat over the wing, as it tends to experience less motion, and focus on slow, deep breaths to help you stay relaxed. Remember, the pilots and flight attendants are there to ensure your safety and comfort, and they are well-prepared to handle any turbulence that may arise.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Burbank or to Birmingham.

More from Burbank

More to Birmingham

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.