Burbank to Detroit Turbulence Forecast

BUR → DTW · 1,964 miles · ~4h 26m

What to Expect

Your flight from Burbank to Detroit crosses a wide variety of terrain, which means encountering different types of turbulence. Right after takeoff, you might feel some bumps from thermal turbulence rising off the hot Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. As you fly northeast, the Central Rockies and Front Range can create mountain wave turbulence. Over the Great Plains, anticipate possible clear-air turbulence (CAT), which is often invisible but perfectly manageable. Near the end of the flight, crossing the Great Lakes, there's a chance of lake-effect turbulence, and over the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, you could experience convective or frontal turbulence. Pilots are constantly monitoring conditions and adjusting altitude or course to find the smoothest possible ride. These are all very common weather patterns, and your flight crew is well-trained to handle them.

Between Burbank and Detroit, 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 fall months, particularly early fall, generally offer the smoothest flights on this route. The weather patterns tend to be more settled, reducing the likelihood of thermal or convective turbulence. Summer, winter, early spring, late fall, early winter, spring, and early summer can be bumpier. Summer brings heat-related thermal turbulence and convective turbulence over the Mississippi Valley, while winter and early spring can see more mountain wave turbulence in the Rockies and frontal turbulence over the Ohio Valley. Lake-effect turbulence is also more common near the Great Lakes during the colder months.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking a morning flight tends to offer a slightly smoother ride, as the atmosphere is often more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving over a series of potholes, or a sudden dip in the road. To stay comfortable, choosing a seat over the wing offers the most stable experience. Remember to stay hydrated, as this helps your body manage any stress. Focus on slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system, and know that the pilots are there to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.