Honolulu to Memphis Turbulence Forecast

HNL → MEM · 4,168 miles · ~8h 50m

What to Expect

Your Honolulu to Memphis flight is a long one, crossing a variety of terrains and weather systems that can cause turbulence. The first stretch, over the open Pacific, may involve Oceanic Clear-Air Turbulence and Oceanic Convection, the kind of bumps associated with unpredictable ocean weather. As you approach the Pacific Coast, you might encounter Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT). Further inland, over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, expect Thermal Turbulence, which is caused by rising warm air. Crossing the Southern Rockies could bring Mountain Wave Turbulence. As you move over the Great Plains, more Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT) is possible, followed by the risk of Severe Convective Turbulence in Tornado Alley. Finally, expect Convective Turbulence over the Ozark Plateau, the Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast Interior. Keep in mind, pilots are experts at navigating these well-understood weather patterns, and modern aircraft are built to handle turbulence safely.

The Honolulu to Memphis 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

• Oceanic Clear-Air Turbulence: Transoceanic jet stream crossings produce extended stretches of clear-air turbulence over the open Pacific.
• Oceanic Convection: Isolated thunderstorms over warm Pacific waters can develop away from radar coverage, catching flights off guard.
• 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.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim to travel during the spring, early summer, or summer months. Early fall, winter, fall, and late fall can also be good. The bumpier seasons tend to be winter, late summer, early spring, summer, late winter, spring, and early summer. This is due to increased instability in the atmosphere and stronger temperature gradients, which lead to more frequent and intense turbulence, particularly over the mountains and in regions prone to thunderstorms.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight tends to offer a slightly smoother ride, as the atmosphere is often more stable early in the day. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road or a sudden dip. For added comfort, choose a seat over the wing, which tends to experience less motion, stay well-hydrated, and focus on slow, deep breaths to help stay calm. Remember that the pilots are monitoring conditions and will navigate to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.