Memphis to Albuquerque Turbulence Forecast

MEM → ABQ · 940 miles · ~2h 23m

What to Expect

The flight from Memphis (MEM) to Albuquerque (ABQ) can be a bit of an adventure, turbulence-wise. You'll start by crossing the Mississippi Valley, the Southeast Interior, and the Ozark Plateau, all areas prone to convective turbulence, which is caused by rising warm air, especially in the warmer months. Then comes Tornado Alley, where you might experience some severe convective turbulence; these are stronger updrafts and downdrafts from storm clouds. After that, over the Great Plains, keep an eye out for clear-air turbulence (CAT), which can happen even without clouds due to changes in wind speed and direction. Finally, as you approach Albuquerque over the Southern Rockies, you might encounter mountain wave turbulence, caused by wind flowing over the mountains. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use weather forecasts to navigate them safely.

The Memphis to Albuquerque 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

• Convective Turbulence: The Mississippi Valley is a breeding ground for squall lines and mesoscale convective systems that produce widespread turbulence.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• 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 ride, aim to fly this route during the fall or late fall. Winter is also known to be quite calm. In these seasons, the convective activity over the Mississippi Valley, Southeast Interior, and Ozark Plateau is significantly reduced, minimizing the chances of bumpy conditions early in the flight. Spring, early summer, summer, winter, early spring, and late winter tend to be the bumpiest times to fly this route, as these are seasons when the temperature changes fuel convective turbulence and storms along the first part of the route, and high-altitude winds over the Rockies can trigger mountain wave turbulence.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking a morning flight can often lead to a smoother experience, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you do encounter on this flight will most likely feel like driving on a bumpy road or, at most, a series of moderate potholes. To feel more in control, choose a window seat over the wing; this spot tends to experience less motion. Staying well-hydrated and practicing slow, deep breathing can also help you stay calm and relaxed during the flight. Remember, pilots are highly trained to handle turbulence, and your safety is always their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.