Burbank to Chicago Midway Turbulence Forecast

BUR → MDW · 1,737 miles · ~3h 58m

What to Expect

Your flight from Burbank to Chicago Midway crosses a diverse range of landscapes, each with its own potential for turbulence. Immediately after takeoff, you'll fly over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence, caused by rising warm air, can lead to some initial bumps. As you head northeast, you'll encounter the Central Rockies and the Front Range, where mountain wave turbulence is common as air flows over the peaks. Once you pass the mountains and enter the Great Plains, clear-air turbulence (CAT), which is often unexpected, might be felt. Nearing Chicago, you'll fly over the Great Lakes, where lake-effect turbulence can occur, followed by the Mississippi Valley, known for convective turbulence from developing storms, and finally, the Ohio Valley, which can experience frontal turbulence as weather systems move through. Remember, pilots are trained to navigate these conditions, and turbulence is a normal part of flying.

Between Burbank and Chicago Midway, the flight path crosses the Central Rockies of Colorado and Utah. This area is one of the most turbulence-prone zones in the U.S., with mountain wave activity reported on more than half of winter days. Waves can propagate far downstream, meaning turbulence may begin well before or after the visible peaks.

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 Central Rockies produce frequent, sometimes severe, mountain waves that can extend 100+ miles downstream.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Lake-Effect Turbulence: The Great Lakes produce lake-effect convection and low-level wind shear from land-water temperature contrasts.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The winter months, especially early winter and fall, tend to offer the smoothest rides on this route. In winter, the lack of strong thermal activity over the deserts and less convective activity in the Mississippi Valley lead to fewer bumps. Summer, early spring, late fall, and early summer tend to be bumpier. During these times, increased thermal activity over the deserts, along with potential thunderstorms in the Mississippi Valley, can create more turbulence. Mountain wave turbulence over the Rockies can occur year-round, but is often more pronounced during periods of stronger winds aloft.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking a morning flight often means you'll encounter less thermal activity over the deserts and fewer afternoon thunderstorms in the Mississippi Valley. Any turbulence you do experience on this route is most likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy or unpaved road. Choosing a seat over the wing can provide a more stable experience, as it's closer to the plane's center of gravity. Remember to stay hydrated and practice deep, steady breathing. Flying is incredibly safe, and the pilots and crew are experts at handling all types of weather.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.