Ontario to Savannah Turbulence Forecast

ONT → SAV · 2,100 miles · ~4h 42m

What to Expect

Your flight from Ontario (ONT) to Savannah (SAV) crosses a variety of terrains, each with its own potential for turbulence. Early in the flight, you'll be over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence, caused by rising warm air, is common. As you continue east, you'll encounter the Southern Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence can occur as wind flows over the peaks. Further along, you'll fly over Tornado Alley, as well as the Ozark Plateau and the Mississippi Valley, all prone to convective turbulence, which is caused by rapidly rising air in thunderstorms. Finally, expect more convective turbulence as you cross the Southeast Interior. All of this sounds dramatic, but pilots are highly skilled at navigating these well-understood weather patterns and use onboard radar, as well as reports from other pilots, to avoid the worst of it.

The Ontario to Savannah 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

• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Southern Rockies produce lee waves when southwesterly upper-level winds flow across the terrain.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride on this route, consider flying in the winter or late fall. During these times, the air tends to be more stable, reducing the likelihood of thermal and convective turbulence. Summer, late winter, spring, and early summer are typically the bumpier seasons, mainly because the heat of summer intensifies thermal activity over the deserts and fosters convective turbulence across Tornado Alley, the Ozarks, the Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast Interior. Spring brings similar conditions, while late winter and early summer can also experience unstable atmospheric conditions leading to more turbulence.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking an early morning flight often leads to a smoother experience, as the atmosphere is typically more stable before the day heats up. Any turbulence you do encounter on this route is most likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road or the sensation of a small dip on a roller coaster. Remember to stay hydrated before and during the flight, and consider choosing a seat over the wing, as this area tends to experience less motion. With a bit of preparation, you can feel confident and comfortable during your flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.