Oklahoma City to Savannah Turbulence Forecast

OKC → SAV · 967 miles · ~2h 26m

What to Expect

Oklahoma City to Savannah, that's a pretty straight shot east across the country! This route, just under 1,000 miles, does cross a few areas known for turbulence, but nothing out of the ordinary. You'll start over the Great Plains, where clear-air turbulence, or CAT, can happen. It's caused by shifting air currents high up, but pilots are really good at spotting and avoiding it. Next, you'll cross Tornado Alley, which in certain seasons can bring convective turbulence from developing storms. Then, it's over the Ozark Plateau and the Mississippi Valley, where you might feel some bumps caused by rising warm air; this is also called convective turbulence. Finally, you'll be over the Southeast Interior, which, like the other areas, can have afternoon convective turbulence during certain times of the year. All this sounds like a lot, but remember, pilots are trained to handle these common weather patterns every single day.

Between Oklahoma City and Savannah, the route crosses the Great Plains, a vast, flat expanse where clear-air turbulence from jet stream undulations is the primary concern at cruise altitude. The lack of terrain features means mountain wave turbulence is absent, but the jet stream frequently meanders over this region, creating wind shear zones at flight levels.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

Late fall tends to offer the smoothest rides on this route, as the weather systems causing turbulence are generally weaker. Summer can also be relatively smooth, but it's also prime time for convective turbulence as warm, moist air rises and forms thunderstorms. Winter, early spring, spring, and early summer tend to be the bumpiest. This is due to a combination of strong jet stream activity that causes clear-air turbulence, and the atmospheric instability that fuels convective turbulence and storm development in Tornado Alley and the Ozarks.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, aim for a morning flight. The air is generally calmer before the day heats up and creates more convective activity. Any turbulence you do experience on this flight is most likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, not a rollercoaster! To stay comfortable, choose a seat over the wing, as it's the most stable part of the plane, and remember to stay hydrated. Taking slow, deep breaths can work wonders for calming your nerves. You've got this!

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Oklahoma City or to Savannah.

More from Oklahoma City

More to Savannah

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.