Burbank to Orlando Turbulence Forecast

BUR → MCO · 2,211 miles · ~4h 55m

What to Expect

Your Burbank to Orlando flight, a roughly five-hour journey eastward, crosses a diverse range of landscapes, each with its own potential for turbulence. Initially, you'll be over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence, caused by rising warm air, is common, especially during the day. As you continue east, you'll encounter the Southern Rockies, a region known for mountain wave turbulence, which can occur when strong winds pass over the mountains. Further along, your flight path takes you near Tornado Alley and the Mississippi Valley, areas prone to severe convective turbulence from thunderstorms, particularly in certain seasons. Finally, as you approach Orlando, you'll be flying over the Gulf Coast and Southeastern Interior, where convective turbulence can also develop. Pilots are highly trained to anticipate and navigate these conditions, using weather reports and radar to choose the smoothest possible path.

The Burbank to Orlando 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?

For the calmest flight experience on this route, aim for winter or fall. During these seasons, the air tends to be more stable, and the risk of convective turbulence is lower. Summer, late winter, spring, and early summer tend to be bumpier. The summer heat over the deserts intensifies thermal turbulence. Spring brings increased storm activity in Tornado Alley and the Mississippi Valley, leading to more convective turbulence. Mountain wave turbulence near the Rockies can occur year-round but is sometimes more pronounced during late winter and spring when winds are stronger.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is often your best bet, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day, before the ground heats up and creates thermals. Any turbulence you do experience on this route will most likely feel like driving on a bumpy, unpaved road. To help stay calm, try to book a seat over the wing, where you'll feel less motion. Remember to stay hydrated and practice deep, steady breathing; remind yourself that turbulence is a normal part of flying, and the pilots are well-equipped to handle it.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.