Burbank to Oklahoma City Turbulence Forecast

BUR → OKC · 1,179 miles · ~2h 51m

What to Expect

Your flight from Burbank to Oklahoma City, heading east for about 2 hours and 51 minutes, will likely encounter a few different types of turbulence, all quite normal. Immediately after takeoff, you'll be flying over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where warm air rising off the hot ground can cause what's called thermal turbulence. Further along, as you cross the Southern Rockies, there's a chance of mountain wave turbulence, where air flowing over the mountains creates bumpy waves. Once you're over the Great Plains, you might experience clear-air turbulence or CAT, which can occur even when the sky looks perfectly clear. Finally, remember that Oklahoma is part of Tornado Alley, so in certain weather conditions, there can be severe convective turbulence from storms, though pilots are very skilled at navigating around these.

The Burbank to Oklahoma City 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 and fall months tend to offer the smoothest rides on this route. The air is generally more stable, reducing thermal and convective activity. Summer, late winter, spring, winter, early spring, and early summer can be bumpier times to fly. This is because the deserts are hotter, leading to more thermal turbulence; spring brings storm systems to the Plains; and mountain wave turbulence can be more pronounced during periods of strong winds aloft. Keep in mind that weather patterns vary from year to year, but these are the general trends.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, try to book your flight for the morning, as the air tends to be calmer before the day heats up and storms develop. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road or the sensation of quick, unexpected elevator drops. Remember that the pilots are always aware of the conditions and will do everything they can to ensure a safe and comfortable flight, even if it requires small course adjustments. Be sure to stay hydrated and take slow, deep breaths; focusing on your breath can help you feel more relaxed. Many passengers find that a window seat, where they can see the ground or horizon, helps them feel grounded and in control.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.