Chicago Midway to Spokane Turbulence Forecast

MDW → GEG · 1,507 miles · ~3h 31m

What to Expect

The Chicago Midway to Spokane flight is a northwest journey across varied terrain, so expect a range of turbulence possibilities. Initially, you might encounter some light chop related to lake-effect turbulence as you fly over the Great Lakes. As you continue, crossing the Ohio Valley, there's a chance of encountering frontal turbulence, which is linked to weather fronts. Over the Upper Midwest and the Great Plains, be prepared for the possibility of clear-air turbulence, or CAT, which is notoriously difficult to predict but is usually light. Finally, as you approach Spokane and cross the Northern Rockies, mountain wave turbulence is possible; this is caused by wind flowing over the mountains and is carefully monitored by pilots. These are common weather patterns, and pilots are well-versed in navigating them.

The Chicago Midway to Spokane route crosses the Northern Rockies, a rugged expanse of high peaks in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Mountain wave turbulence is frequent here, especially when Pacific storm systems push strong winds over the Continental Divide. Pilots often report moderate chop between 30,000 and 40,000 feet over this region.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Lake-Effect Turbulence: The Great Lakes produce lake-effect convection and low-level wind shear from land-water temperature contrasts.
• Frontal Turbulence: The Ohio Valley is a preferred storm track where frontal boundaries and embedded convection create turbulence year-round.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The Upper Midwest sits beneath frequent polar jet stream intrusions, producing clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Northern Rockies generate powerful lee waves when Pacific fronts drive westerly flow across the high terrain.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride, aim to fly this route in the summer, early fall, or fall. The atmosphere tends to be more stable during these months. Late fall, early winter, winter, spring, and early spring, however, tend to be bumpier. This is because the temperature contrasts are greater during these times of year, leading to more active weather fronts in the Ohio Valley, and stronger winds aloft, which can trigger mountain wave turbulence over the Rockies and more intense clear-air turbulence across the Plains.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking a morning flight often leads to a smoother experience, as the atmosphere tends to be more settled earlier in the day. Any turbulence on this route will likely feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, perhaps with a few deeper potholes. For extra comfort, choose a seat over the wing; this area of the plane experiences less motion. Staying hydrated can also help you feel your best; take deep, calming breaths, knowing that the pilots are highly skilled at handling these common conditions.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.