Burbank to Cleveland Turbulence Forecast

BUR → CLE · 2,038 miles · ~4h 35m

What to Expect

BUR to CLE is a fascinating route because it crosses so many different types of terrain, and that means potentially experiencing different kinds of turbulence. Right after takeoff, you'll be over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where warm air rising off the hot ground can create what's called thermal turbulence. As you head northeast, you'll be flying over the Central Rockies and the Front Range; keep an eye out for mountain wave turbulence caused by wind flowing over the mountains. Farther east, over the Great Plains, there’s a chance of encountering clear-air turbulence (CAT), which can happen even when the sky looks perfectly clear. Since you'll be passing over Tornado Alley and the Mississippi Valley, keep in mind that severe convective turbulence is possible, especially if there are thunderstorms in the area. Nearing the end of your flight over the Great Lakes, you might experience lake-effect turbulence, and finally, over the Ohio Valley, you could experience frontal turbulence, which is often associated with weather fronts. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use sophisticated tools to navigate them safely and smoothly.

Between Burbank and Cleveland, 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.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The early fall months often offer the smoothest flights on this route. The weather patterns tend to be more stable, and the temperature differences that cause some types of turbulence are less pronounced. Summer can be bumpier due to increased thermal activity over the deserts and convective turbulence from thunderstorms. Winter is also known to cause turbulence, particularly mountain wave turbulence as the jet stream strengthens and interacts with the Rockies, and the early spring, spring, early summer, late fall, and early winter seasons can all bring increased turbulence due to unstable air masses and frontal systems crossing the country.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking your flight for early fall can often provide a smoother experience. If you do experience bumps, remember that most turbulence feels like driving over a slightly bumpy road. For extra comfort, choose a seat over the wing; this area tends to experience less motion. Make sure to stay hydrated and practice deep, slow breathing; this can help you feel more relaxed and in control. Remember, pilots are highly trained to handle turbulence, and your safety is their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.