New York LaGuardia to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

LGA → BUR · 2,454 miles · ~5h 24m

What to Expect

Your flight from LaGuardia to Burbank crosses a wide variety of terrain, which means encountering different types of turbulence. Departing from New York, you might feel some bumps over the Northern Appalachians due to mechanical turbulence, where wind interacts with the mountains. As you head west over the Atlantic Seaboard, you might experience clear-air turbulence, which is common at higher altitudes. Further inland over the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys, frontal and convective turbulence, caused by weather fronts and rising warm air, could create some moderate chop. Depending on the time of year, Tornado Alley can bring some severe convective turbulence. Over the Great Plains and the Front Range, you may encounter more clear-air turbulence and mountain wave turbulence respectively. Finally, nearing Burbank, flights often encounter thermal turbulence over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, as heated air rises. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns, and constantly monitor conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

Flights between New York LaGuardia and Burbank 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

• Mechanical Turbulence: The Northern Appalachians generate low-level mechanical turbulence during strong post-frontal northwest winds.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The Atlantic coast jet stream and land-sea temperature contrasts create frequent clear-air turbulence at cruising altitude.
• Frontal Turbulence: The Ohio Valley is a preferred storm track where frontal boundaries and embedded convection create turbulence year-round.
• Convective Turbulence: The Mississippi Valley is a breeding ground for squall lines and mesoscale convective systems that produce widespread turbulence.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The smoothest flights on this route are generally in the late summer and fall, when the weather patterns are more stable, and convective turbulence over Tornado Alley is less frequent. Winter can also be relatively smooth, though mechanical turbulence over the Appalachians is more common. Spring and early summer tend to be bumpier, as this is when frontal systems and convective activity are at their peak, particularly over the Plains. Mountain wave turbulence is present year-round but can be stronger in the spring as well.

Tips for This Flight

Booking a morning flight tends to be your best bet, as daytime heating creates more thermal and convective turbulence. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, or perhaps a few stronger jolts similar to hitting a pothole. To help stay relaxed, choose a seat over the wing as these seats experience less motion, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and focus on slow, deep breaths. Remember that turbulence is a normal part of flying, and the crew is well-trained to handle it. They're there to keep you safe and informed.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.