Burbank to Chicago O'Hare Turbulence Forecast

BUR → ORD · 1,730 miles · ~3h 58m

What to Expect

Your flight from Burbank to Chicago crosses a wide variety of landscapes, each with its own potential for turbulence. Initially, you'll be over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence, caused by rising warm air, can create some early 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 mountains. Expect some chop here. Crossing the Great Plains, you might experience clear-air turbulence, which is often unexpected but usually not severe. As you approach Chicago, the Great Lakes can cause lake-effect turbulence, especially in cooler months. Finally, the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys may present convective turbulence from thunderstorms or frontal turbulence from weather systems. Pilots are well-versed in navigating these common weather patterns, using radar and reports from other aircraft to ensure a safe flight.

Between Burbank and Chicago O'Hare, 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?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim to travel this route in fall or winter. During these seasons, the thermal activity over the deserts is reduced, and the mountain wave turbulence is less intense. Clear-air turbulence can still occur, but it is less frequent. Summer tends to be bumpier because of increased thermal activity in the deserts and the potential for strong thunderstorms over the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley, leading to convective turbulence. Spring and early summer can also bring frontal turbulence as weather systems move across the country.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is your best bet, as the atmosphere is generally more stable before the day heats up, reducing thermal and convective activity. Remember that most turbulence on this route typically feels like driving on a slightly bumpy road, not like a roller coaster. Choose a seat over the wing, as this area experiences less motion, and stay hydrated throughout the flight; dehydration can increase anxiety. Focusing on slow, deep breaths can also help calm your nerves. Know that the pilots are trained to handle all kinds of conditions, and your safety is their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.