Orlando to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

MCO → BUR · 2,211 miles · ~4h 55m

What to Expect

Your flight from Orlando to Burbank crosses a wide variety of terrain, each with its own potential for bumps. Leaving Florida, you'll first cross the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast Interior; these areas are prone to convective turbulence, caused by rising warm air, especially in the afternoons. Further west, you'll encounter Tornado Alley, which can bring severe convective turbulence during storm season. As you approach the Rockies, you might experience mountain wave turbulence, created as air flows over the mountains. Finally, as you descend into Burbank, you'll fly over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence, another form of heat-related bumpiness, can occur. It sounds like a lot, but pilots are very familiar with these patterns and adept at navigating them using weather forecasting and real-time reports from other aircraft.

The Orlando 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?

For the smoothest flight, aim to travel during the winter or fall months, including early spring and late fall. Cooler temperatures reduce the likelihood of convective turbulence and thermal turbulence. Summer, early summer, late winter and spring tend to be the bumpiest times on this route. The warmer months bring more instability to the Gulf Coast, Mississippi Valley, and Southeast Interior, increasing the chances of convective turbulence. The summer also tends to create stronger thermal updrafts over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, book a morning flight; the air is generally calmer before the day heats up and creates thermal activity. Any turbulence you encounter on this route is likely to feel like driving over potholes, or the sensation of being on a boat gently rocking. To feel more comfortable, choose a seat over the wing; this area experiences less motion than the front or back of the plane. Staying well hydrated can also help you feel more relaxed. Remember, the pilots are highly trained professionals, and turbulence is a normal part of flying.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Orlando or to Burbank.

More from Orlando

More to Burbank

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.