Dallas Love Field to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

DAL → BUR · 1,240 miles · ~2h 59m

What to Expect

Your flight from Dallas Love Field (DAL) to Burbank (BUR) will take you westward across a variety of geographic features that can influence air conditions. Shortly after takeoff, you'll be crossing what's known as Tornado Alley, a region prone to severe convective turbulence; these are the kind of bumps caused by rapidly rising warm air, especially during storms. Further along, your flight path takes you over the Southern Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence can occur as wind flows over the peaks. Finally, as you approach Burbank, you'll be flying over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence can develop due to the hot desert air rising. Pilots are well aware of these patterns and use weather forecasting, radar, and reports from other pilots to navigate them safely every day.

The Dallas Love Field to Burbank 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

• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Southern Rockies produce lee waves when southwesterly upper-level winds flow across the terrain.
• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim to travel in the fall or winter. The air tends to be more stable then, reducing the likelihood of significant turbulence. Summer can be surprisingly smooth too, although the desert thermals can still cause some chop. Spring and early summer tend to be the bumpiest times to fly this route. This is when storm systems are most active in Tornado Alley, and the temperature differences that drive thermal turbulence are most pronounced over the deserts.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight can often lead to a smoother experience, as the atmosphere is typically more settled before the day heats up. Any turbulence you might encounter on this route is likely to feel like driving over a bumpy road or hitting a few potholes. Choosing a seat over the wing often minimizes the sensation of movement. Stay hydrated, take slow, deep breaths, and remember that the pilots and crew are trained to handle all types of conditions, and they are constantly monitoring the flight to ensure your safety and comfort.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.