Burbank to Dallas Love Field Turbulence Forecast

BUR → DAL · 1,240 miles · ~2h 59m

What to Expect

Your Burbank to Dallas Love Field flight is an interesting one, turbulence-wise, because it crosses several distinct geographic areas. Initially, you'll be flying east over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. These are prone to "thermal turbulence," which is caused by hot air rising from the desert floor, creating bumpy conditions, especially during the day. Further along, you will encounter the Southern Rockies, a mountain range known to create "mountain wave turbulence." This occurs when wind flows over the mountains, creating waves in the atmosphere. Finally, your flight path crosses Tornado Alley, where "severe convective turbulence" is possible, particularly during storm season. All of these sounds dramatic, but rest assured that pilots are trained to monitor and navigate these conditions safely and effectively. They use weather reports and radar to avoid the worst areas, and small deviations in altitude or route can often make a big difference in ride quality.

The Burbank to Dallas Love Field 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 fall months generally offer the smoothest flights on this route. The desert heat cools down, lessening thermal turbulence, and the risks of mountain wave turbulence and severe convective turbulence diminish greatly. Summer, late winter, spring, and early summer tend to be the bumpiest times to fly this route. This is primarily due to increased thermal activity in the deserts and the presence of storms capable of creating severe convective turbulence in Tornado Alley. Mountain wave turbulence is possible year-round, but it's most common during the late winter and spring when the jet stream is strongest.

Tips for This Flight

For the smoothest possible flight, consider booking a morning flight, as thermal turbulence is usually less pronounced earlier in the day. Any turbulence you do encounter on this route will likely feel like driving on a road with a few potholes, or maybe a sudden, unexpected bump. While it can be unsettling, remember it's a normal part of flying. Choose a seat over the wing, as it tends to experience less motion. Stay hydrated, as this can help you feel more comfortable, and focus on your breathing to stay calm. Your pilots are highly skilled at navigating these conditions, and you'll be in Dallas before you know it.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.