Los Angeles to Lexington Turbulence Forecast

LAX → LEX · 1,900 miles · ~4h 18m

What to Expect

The Los Angeles to Lexington route, heading east, is a bit of an adventure when it comes to air currents. For about 1900 miles, you'll be crossing a variety of terrains known for different types of turbulence. Initially, you will cross the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, which can create thermal turbulence, a type of bumpiness caused by rising warm air. Next, you'll encounter the Southern Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence can occur as air flows over the peaks. Then, expect some clear-air turbulence (CAT) over the Great Plains, which is often invisible and can come as a surprise. Depending on the time of year, Tornado Alley can cause severe convective turbulence. The Ozark Plateau and Mississippi Valley can bring convective turbulence. Then, the Ohio Valley can cause frontal turbulence, and finally, the Southern Appalachians can create mechanical turbulence. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and prepared to navigate them. Modern aircraft are designed to handle turbulence, and pilots use weather forecasts to avoid the worst of it.

The Los Angeles to Lexington 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

• 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.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The winter months and early fall generally offer the smoothest flights on this route. The relative atmospheric stability reduces thermal and convective activity. Summer, late winter, spring, winter, early spring and early summer tend to be bumpier. In the summer, the deserts generate significant thermal updrafts. Spring and early summer bring thunderstorms and the risk of convective turbulence over Tornado Alley, the Ozark Plateau, and the Mississippi Valley. The presence of weather fronts in the Ohio Valley increases in winter, as does mechanical turbulence over the Southern Appalachians.

Tips for This Flight

Choosing a morning flight often means less turbulence, as the air hasn't had as much time to heat up and become unstable. Any bumps you experience on this route will likely feel like driving over a series of small potholes or speed bumps. While unsettling, remember the plane is designed to handle it. Staying well-hydrated can help you feel more comfortable, so bring a water bottle and sip on it throughout the flight. Focus on slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth, to help calm your nerves, and remember that the pilots are well-trained and monitoring the conditions constantly to ensure a safe flight.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Los Angeles or to Lexington.

More from Los Angeles

More to Lexington

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.