Memphis to Salt Lake City Turbulence Forecast

MEM → SLC · 1,259 miles · ~3h 1m

What to Expect

That Memphis to Salt Lake City flight, heading northwest for about 3 hours, does cross a diverse range of geographic features that can contribute to turbulence. Departing Memphis, you'll initially be over the Mississippi Valley, the Southeast Interior, and the Ozark Plateau. These areas can experience convective turbulence, which is caused by rising warm air, particularly on hot days. Further along, you'll fly over Tornado Alley, where severe convective turbulence is possible, especially during storm season. As you approach Salt Lake City, the flight path crosses the Great Plains, known for clear-air turbulence (CAT), which can occur even in seemingly clear skies due to wind shear. Finally, as you get closer to landing, the Front Range and Central Rockies can generate mountain wave turbulence, caused by air flowing over the mountains. Remember, pilots are highly trained to anticipate and navigate these conditions, and turbulence is a normal part of flying.

Flights between Memphis and Salt Lake City pass along the Front Range, where the abrupt rise of the Colorado Rockies generates some of the strongest mountain wave turbulence in the continental U.S. Downdrafts east of the ridgeline can be intense, and rotor turbulence near the surface sometimes extends to cruising altitude during high-wind events.

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: Strong westerly winds over the Front Range create oscillating waves that can produce sustained moderate turbulence at jet cruise levels.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride on this route, aim for flights during the fall or late fall months. Winter can also be fairly calm. During these periods, convective turbulence is less frequent, and the risk of severe storms is lower. Spring, early summer, summer, and early spring tend to be bumpier times to fly this route. This is when convective activity is at its peak across the Mississippi Valley, Southeast Interior, the Ozark Plateau, and Tornado Alley. Mountain wave turbulence near the Rockies can also be more pronounced during the winter months.

Tips for This Flight

The best thing you can do for a smoother flight is to choose a morning flight, as convective turbulence tends to build as the day heats up. Any turbulence you do experience on this route is most likely to feel like driving over a bumpy road, or perhaps a brief roller coaster sensation. To stay comfortable, choose a seat over the wing, where you'll feel less motion, and focus on deep, steady breathing; this can help calm your nerves and make the flight more enjoyable. Remember that the crew is there to support you, and turbulence is a routine part of their job.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.