Orlando to Spokane Turbulence Forecast

MCO → GEG · 2,343 miles · ~5h 11m

What to Expect

Orlando to Spokane is a long northwest-bound flight that crosses a wide variety of terrain and weather patterns, so it tends to have more turbulence than shorter, more consistent routes. Departing Orlando (MCO), you'll quickly cross the Gulf Coast and Southeast Interior, regions known for convective turbulence, which is caused by rising warm air, especially in the afternoons. Further along, you'll fly over the Mississippi Valley and Ozark Plateau, also prone to convective bumps. Then comes Tornado Alley, where severe convective turbulence is possible, particularly during storm season. As you continue northwest, the Great Plains can bring clear-air turbulence (CAT), caused by wind shear at high altitudes, which is often invisible but can still create moderate bumps. Finally, approaching Spokane (GEG), you'll encounter the Northern Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence, caused by air flowing over the mountains, can occur. This may sound like a lot, but pilots are trained to anticipate and navigate these conditions.

The Orlando to Spokane route crosses the Northern Rockies, a rugged expanse of high peaks in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Mountain wave turbulence is frequent here, especially when Pacific storm systems push strong winds over the Continental Divide. Pilots often report moderate chop between 30,000 and 40,000 feet over this region.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Convective Turbulence: Warm Gulf moisture drives rapid thunderstorm development along the coast, creating intense updrafts and downdrafts.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Northern Rockies generate powerful lee waves when Pacific fronts drive westerly flow across the high terrain.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The smoothest time to fly from Orlando to Spokane is generally during the fall, winter, and early spring. The air tends to be more stable during these months, reducing the likelihood of convective turbulence and severe storms common in the Mississippi Valley and Tornado Alley. Conversely, summer, spring, and early summer are often bumpier due to increased convective activity and storm formation over the Gulf Coast, the Southeast Interior, the Mississippi Valley, and Tornado Alley. Mountain wave turbulence in the Northern Rockies is possible year-round but can be more pronounced in certain winter weather patterns.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, consider booking a morning flight from Orlando, as convective activity tends to build up later in the day. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will most likely feel like driving on a bumpy, unpaved road, or perhaps a boat gently rocking on the water. To help stay calm, choose a seat over the wing, which tends to experience less motion, and focus on slow, deep breaths to help regulate your nervous system. Remember, the pilots are highly skilled and constantly monitoring conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.