Las Vegas to Chicago Midway Turbulence Forecast

LAS → MDW · 1,517 miles · ~3h 32m

What to Expect

The Las Vegas to Chicago Midway route, heading northeast for around 3 hours and 32 minutes, crosses a variety of geographic features that can contribute to turbulence. Expect some bumps leaving Las Vegas as you cross the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence from the hot ground can cause some chop. Further along, crossing the Central Rockies and the Front Range, mountain wave turbulence is possible as wind flows over the mountains. Over the Great Plains, you might encounter clear-air turbulence (CAT), caused by shifting air currents. Near Chicago, the Great Lakes can generate lake-effect turbulence. During parts of the year, passing over the Mississippi Valley, convective turbulence from thunderstorms may occur. Finally, the Ohio Valley can experience frontal turbulence from weather fronts. These are all normal weather patterns that pilots are trained to handle; they are constantly monitoring conditions and adjusting the flight as needed for a safe and comfortable journey.

Between Las Vegas and Chicago Midway, the flight path crosses the Central Rockies of Colorado and Utah. This area is one of the most turbulence-prone zones in the U.S., with mountain wave activity reported on more than half of winter days. Waves can propagate far downstream, meaning turbulence may begin well before or after the visible peaks.

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 Central Rockies produce frequent, sometimes severe, mountain waves that can extend 100+ miles downstream.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Lake-Effect Turbulence: The Great Lakes produce lake-effect convection and low-level wind shear from land-water temperature contrasts.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim for the winter or fall months. The summer season can be bumpier as convective turbulence from thunderstorms is more common over the Mississippi Valley. Spring, early summer, late fall, and early winter could also have more turbulence, especially in the mountains and deserts, or due to frontal systems crossing the Ohio Valley. Mountain wave turbulence and thermal turbulence are most common in the warmer months. Lake-effect turbulence is most common in late fall and early winter, when the lakes are still relatively warm but the air is colder.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is often your best bet. The atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day, before the ground heats up and creates thermal updrafts. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, maybe a bit like crossing railroad tracks. To help stay relaxed, choose a seat over the wing, as this area experiences less motion, and focus on deep, steady breaths. Remember, the pilots are well-prepared to navigate these conditions, and your comfort is their priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.