Myrtle Beach to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

MYR → BUR · 2,246 miles · ~4h 60m

What to Expect

The Myrtle Beach to Burbank flight, heading west over 2246 miles, presents a mix of turbulence possibilities, though nothing outside the norm for air travel. Expect some initial bumps as you cross the Southern Appalachians; this mechanical turbulence is caused by wind interacting with the mountains. As you continue westward, you'll fly over the Southeast Interior and the Mississippi Valley, where convective turbulence from rising warm air can occur, especially if it's a sunny day. The Ozark Plateau may also bring some of this. The flight path crosses Tornado Alley, where, though severe convective turbulence can occur, your pilots will have plenty of warning to avoid any active storms. Further along, over the Great Plains, you might encounter clear-air turbulence; this is often unexpected but usually mild. Approaching the Southern Rockies, mountain wave turbulence is possible, again due to winds interacting with the terrain. Finally, as you descend into Burbank, you'll cross the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts where thermal turbulence can occur from rising warm air.

The Myrtle Beach 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

• Mechanical Turbulence: The Southern Appalachians produce terrain-induced chop, especially during strong wind events and summer convection over the ridgeline.
• Convective Turbulence: The warm, humid Southeast interior supports frequent thunderstorm development, particularly during afternoon hours.
• 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 in the fall or late fall. These seasons typically see fewer convective storms and less intense temperature variations over the deserts, leading to calmer air. Conversely, winter, spring, early summer, early spring, and late winter tend to be bumpier. Winter brings stronger winds aloft, increasing mechanical and mountain wave turbulence. Spring and early summer can bring convective turbulence and severe convective turbulence, particularly over Tornado Alley, while the deserts can be more active with thermal turbulence as early as late winter.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is your best bet, as the air is generally calmer before the day heats up. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road, or perhaps a brief, more intense jolt. To help stay relaxed, choose a seat over the wing, where you'll feel less motion, and focus on slow, deep breaths; imagine you are gently rocking in a chair.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.