Memphis to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

MEM → BUR · 1,609 miles · ~3h 43m

What to Expect

That Memphis to Burbank flight is a real journey across America, and it can have its bumpy moments, especially heading west. You'll start out crossing the Mississippi Valley, the Southeast Interior, and the Ozark Plateau, all of which can bring convective turbulence. That's just air rising and falling due to heat and humidity. Then comes Tornado Alley, which, as the name suggests, can mean some severe convective turbulence, though that's more common closer to the ground. Once you're over the Great Plains, you might encounter clear-air turbulence (CAT), which is caused by shifting air currents at high altitudes. Approaching Burbank, you'll fly over the Southern Rockies, so mountain wave turbulence is possible as air flows over the peaks. Finally, the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts can cause some thermal turbulence from the hot ground. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and always keep an eye on conditions.

The Memphis to Burbank 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.
• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride on this route, aim for fall or late fall. Winter can also be fairly calm. Summer, early summer, and early spring tend to be the bumpiest times to fly this route, as warmer temperatures fuel convective turbulence, especially over the Mississippi Valley, the Southeast Interior, and the Ozark Plateau. Late winter is also known to be bumpy, as the jet stream fluctuates, creating conditions that lead to turbulence across the Great Plains and in the Rockies.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight from Memphis might offer a slightly smoother experience, as the air tends to be calmer before the day heats up. Any turbulence you experience on this route is most likely going to feel like driving on a road with potholes, some gentle and some a bit more jarring. For extra comfort, choose a seat over the wing; it's the most stable part of the plane. Remember to stay hydrated and focus on slow, deep breaths to help you relax; the pilots are well-trained to handle any bumps along the way.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Memphis or to Burbank.

More from Memphis

More to Burbank

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.