Los Angeles to Richmond Turbulence Forecast

LAX → RIC · 2,300 miles · ~5h 6m

What to Expect

Your upcoming flight from Los Angeles to Richmond will take you on a fascinating journey across the country, and that journey includes a few predictable bumps. As you leave LAX, you'll cross the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts where thermal turbulence, caused by rising warm air, can be common. Then, as you pass over the Southern Rockies, you might experience mountain wave turbulence, which is like hitting a small wave in a boat. The Great Plains bring the possibility of clear-air turbulence or CAT, which can occur even in seemingly clear skies. Depending on the time of year, you could encounter severe convective turbulence near Tornado Alley. Later, flying over the Ozark Plateau and Mississippi Valley, you might feel some bumps from convective turbulence, and over the Ohio Valley, there can be frontal turbulence. Finally, the Southern Appalachians can cause mechanical turbulence, where the wind interacts with the mountains. Pilots are very familiar with all these phenomena and constantly monitor and adjust their course to provide the smoothest flight possible.

The Los Angeles to Richmond 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?

If you're looking for the smoothest possible flight, aim for the winter or early fall. During these times, the air tends to be more stable, reducing the likelihood of thermal and convective turbulence. Summer, late winter, spring, winter, early spring, and early summer can be bumpier. The warmer months and the transition seasons can bring increased thermal activity over the deserts, stronger mountain waves over the Rockies, and more frequent convective storms across the plains and valleys, potentially leading to a bit of a choppier ride.

Tips for This Flight

Booking a morning flight will likely give you a smoother experience, as the atmosphere tends to be more settled earlier in the day. If you do experience turbulence, most of the time it feels like driving on a bumpy, unpaved road for a few minutes. To enhance your comfort, consider choosing a seat over the wing; this is generally considered a more stable part of the aircraft. Remember to stay hydrated, and try some slow, deep breathing exercises to help you relax, knowing that your pilots are expertly managing the flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.