Burbank to Greenville Turbulence Forecast

BUR → GSP · 2,046 miles · ~4h 36m

What to Expect

Your Burbank to Greenville flight crosses a diverse range of geographic features, each with its own potential for turbulence. Initially, you'll fly over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence, caused by rising hot air, can create some initial bumps. As you head east, you'll encounter the Southern Rockies, which can generate mountain wave turbulence as air flows over the peaks. Further along, over the Great Plains, expect the possibility of clear-air turbulence (CAT), which can occur even in seemingly clear skies. Depending on the time of year, Tornado Alley and the Ozark Plateau might bring convective turbulence, caused by thunderstorms. Finally, as you approach Greenville, crossing the Southeast Interior and the Southern Appalachians, mechanical turbulence from wind interacting with the terrain could create some additional light chop. Pilots are well-versed in navigating these conditions and use weather forecasting to minimize any discomfort.

The Burbank to Greenville 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.
• 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 winter months, particularly late fall, are generally the smoothest time to fly this route. The deserts are cooler, reducing thermal turbulence, and thunderstorm activity is minimal. Summer, late winter, spring, winter, early spring, and early summer tend to be bumpier. Summer can bring more convective turbulence as thunderstorms build over Tornado Alley, the Ozark Plateau, the Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast Interior. Spring and early summer also see increased thunderstorm activity, plus strong winds interacting with the Rockies and Appalachians adding mechanical and mountain wave turbulence.

Tips for This Flight

For the calmest flight, aim for a morning departure, as ground temperatures will be cooler over the deserts and any convective activity will likely not have begun. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, not usually anything alarming, but still potentially unnerving. Staying hydrated can help you feel more relaxed; bring a reusable water bottle and sip steadily throughout the flight. Remember that the pilots are highly trained, and turbulence is a normal part of flying.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.