Memphis to Minneapolis Turbulence Forecast

MEM → MSP · 701 miles · ~1h 54m

What to Expect

This Memphis to Minneapolis flight will take you north across a variety of geographic features, each with its own potential for turbulence. Shortly after takeoff, you'll be flying over the Mississippi Valley and the Southeast Interior, both prone to convective turbulence, which is caused by rising warm air. Then, you’ll cross the Ozark Plateau, another area where convective turbulence can occur. As you approach Minneapolis, you'll encounter the Great Lakes, where lake-effect turbulence, caused by cold air moving over warmer lake waters, can sometimes create bumps. Finally, over the Upper Midwest, clear-air turbulence (CAT) may be present. CAT is often associated with jet streams and changes in wind speed, but it's usually manageable. Pilots are very familiar with these regional weather patterns and use sophisticated tools to navigate them safely and smoothly.

The flight between Memphis and Minneapolis crosses the Mississippi Valley, a corridor where warm, moist Gulf air collides with cooler continental air masses. This convergence zone spawns squall lines and mesoscale convective systems that can stretch hundreds of miles, creating broad areas of moderate-to-severe convective turbulence.

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 Upper Midwest sits beneath frequent polar jet stream intrusions, producing clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim for fall or winter. During these seasons, the conditions that cause convective turbulence, like warm air rising over the Mississippi Valley, the Southeast Interior, and the Ozark Plateau, are less common. Summer can be bumpier due to increased convective activity, while late fall, early winter, and spring can also see more turbulence as weather patterns shift and lake-effect turbulence from the Great Lakes may increase. These are trends, though, and not guarantees; weather is always variable.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking a morning flight is often your best bet for a smoother ride, as the air tends to be calmer before the day heats up and creates convective turbulence. Any turbulence you do experience on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road or hitting a few potholes. To help stay relaxed, consider choosing a seat over the wing, where you'll feel less motion. Staying well-hydrated can also help you feel more comfortable, so drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Remember, the pilots are highly trained to handle these conditions, and your safety is always their top priority.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Memphis or to Minneapolis.

More from Memphis

More to Minneapolis

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.