Burbank to Memphis Turbulence Forecast

BUR → MEM · 1,609 miles · ~3h 43m

What to Expect

Your Burbank (BUR) to Memphis (MEM) flight, heading east for about 3 hours and 43 minutes, crosses a diverse range of geographic features that can contribute to turbulence. Right after Burbank, you'll encounter the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. Be aware that thermal turbulence is common there, caused by rising warm air. Next, the flight path crosses the Southern Rockies, which can generate mountain wave turbulence as air flows over the peaks. As you progress toward Memphis, expect possible clear-air turbulence (CAT) over the Great Plains; this is often invisible and can occur at higher altitudes. Later on, keep in mind that Tornado Alley and the Mississippi Valley tend to be prone to severe convective turbulence and convective turbulence due to weather patterns. Finally, the Southeast Interior is an area where convective turbulence is common. Pilots are trained to anticipate and navigate these conditions; it's all part of a typical flight.

The Burbank to Memphis 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?

For the smoothest possible ride, consider flying this route in the late fall or winter. During these periods, the atmospheric conditions over the deserts and plains are generally more stable, reducing the likelihood of thermal and clear-air turbulence. Summer, late winter, spring, early spring, and early summer tend to be bumpier times due to increased thermal activity over the deserts, mountain wave effects from the Rockies, and, most significantly, convective turbulence associated with storm systems in Tornado Alley and the Mississippi Valley.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking a morning flight may offer a slightly smoother experience, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day before the ground heats up and creates thermals. Any turbulence you might encounter on this route is most likely to feel like driving over a bumpy road or hitting a few potholes, with some moderate chop possible. To help stay calm, choose a seat over the wing for a slightly more stable ride, and focus on deep, slow breaths; remember that the pilots are highly skilled at managing these conditions, and your safety is their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.