New Orleans to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

MSY → BUR · 1,665 miles · ~3h 50m

What to Expect

That New Orleans to Burbank flight offers quite a tour of the American landscape, and that means experiencing a variety of weather patterns. Right after takeoff, you'll be crossing the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi Valley, both prone to convective turbulence, which is caused by warm, moist air rising, especially in the warmer months. Then comes Tornado Alley, where severe convective turbulence can occur, so the pilots will be extra vigilant. As you approach the Southern Rockies, you might encounter mountain wave turbulence, created by air flowing over the peaks. Finally, as you descend into Burbank, you'll pass over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence from the hot ground can create some bumps. Pilots are very familiar with all of these phenomena. They use sophisticated weather forecasting and radar to navigate around the worst of it, and they are trained to handle any turbulence they encounter.

The New Orleans 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: Warm Gulf moisture drives rapid thunderstorm development along the coast, creating intense updrafts and downdrafts.
• 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?

The smoothest rides on this route are generally in the winter and early spring. The air is more stable then, with less convective activity, and the mountain waves are less pronounced. Summer, late winter, spring, and early summer tend to be the bumpiest times to fly this route. The heat fuels convective turbulence over the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Valley, and especially in Tornado Alley, and the deserts create more thermal turbulence. The Rockies can generate stronger mountain waves as well, so these seasons require more active monitoring by the flight crew.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is often your best bet, as the air tends to be calmer before the day heats up. Any turbulence you might experience on this route is most likely to feel like driving on a road with potholes, a little bumpy and uneven. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and consider choosing a seat over the wing, where the ride is usually a bit smoother. Just knowing what to expect can make a big difference, and rest assured, your pilots are experts at navigating these conditions.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.