El Paso to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

ELP → BUR · 713 miles · ~1h 56m

What to Expect

That El Paso to Burbank flight, heading west for about 713 miles, has some quirks, turbulence-wise, but nothing unusual. The biggest factor is that you'll be crossing both the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. The sun heats the desert floor a lot, and that rising hot air creates what's called thermal turbulence. It's most noticeable at lower altitudes. Pilots are very familiar with this phenomenon and use weather reports to navigate the best path. Keep in mind that even if there are bumps, they're usually isolated and not continuous. You’ll be in the air for less than two hours, so any rough patches are likely to be relatively short. Modern planes are built to handle far more than a little desert thermals can throw at them.

The El Paso to Burbank route crosses the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where intense daytime surface heating creates strong thermal updrafts and mechanical turbulence at lower altitudes. While cruise-level turbulence is generally lighter than over mountain terrain, summer monsoon thunderstorms over the desert Southwest can build rapidly and produce sharp convective jolts.

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.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride on this route, winter and fall are your best bets. The desert air is cooler, so there's less of that rising hot air causing thermal turbulence. Summer tends to be the bumpiest time to fly between El Paso and Burbank. The desert heat is at its peak, which increases thermal activity and the likelihood of encountering some bumps. Spring can be variable, but generally, as things heat up, the bumps will increase.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, try to book your flight for the morning. The air tends to be calmer before the desert sun really gets things cooking. Any turbulence you do experience on this route is most likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy, unpaved road; short, frequent ups and downs. Choosing a seat over the wing can minimize the sensation of movement, and staying well-hydrated can help you feel more comfortable. Remember to breathe deeply and focus on the knowledge that your pilots are experts at navigating these conditions, and you'll be wheels down in Burbank before you know it.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.