Burbank to Columbus Turbulence Forecast

BUR → CMH · 1,982 miles · ~4h 28m

What to Expect

That Burbank to Columbus flight is a true cross-country journey, and it encounters a wide variety of weather patterns that can lead to turbulence. Immediately after takeoff, you'll be crossing the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where warm air rising off the hot ground, called thermal turbulence, is common. As you continue east, you'll encounter the Central Rockies and the Front Range, where mountain wave turbulence can occur as air flows over the mountains. Further along, over the Great Plains, clear-air turbulence (CAT) is possible, caused by shifting air currents at high altitudes. Depending on the time of year, you might cross Tornado Alley, where severe convective turbulence from thunderstorms can be a factor. As you approach Columbus, the flight path crosses the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, where convective turbulence and frontal turbulence, associated with weather fronts, may be present. All these turbulence types are normal and well-understood, and pilots are trained to manage them safely.

Between Burbank and Columbus, 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?

For the smoothest possible ride on this route, aim for a flight in the fall or winter. Early fall offers a sweet spot, as the heat of summer fades, reducing thermal turbulence over the deserts, and severe weather in Tornado Alley is less likely. Winter generally sees calmer air patterns across the country. Summer tends to be the bumpiest season, due to increased thermal activity over the deserts and the potential for strong thunderstorms, especially in Tornado Alley. Early spring and early summer can also be turbulent, as weather patterns are often unstable during these transitional periods, with both mountain wave and convective turbulence being more common.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, try to book your flight for the morning, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day, before the ground heats up and creates thermal updrafts. Any turbulence you do experience on this route will likely feel like driving on a bumpy, unpaved road, or perhaps a sudden jolt. To stay comfortable, choose a seat over the wing, where motion is minimized, and remember to stay hydrated. Deep, regular breaths can also help you relax. Remember, the pilots are constantly monitoring weather conditions and are skilled at navigating any turbulence safely, and modern planes are built to handle much more than anything you're likely to feel.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.