Phoenix to Birmingham Turbulence Forecast

PHX → BHM · 1,451 miles · ~3h 24m

What to Expect

Your flight from Phoenix to Birmingham crosses a wide variety of landscapes, making for a potentially interesting, but sometimes bumpy, ride. Initially, you'll be flying over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence, caused by rising warm air, is common. Then, as you cross the Southern Rockies, you might experience mountain wave turbulence, as the wind interacts with the peaks. Further east, your plane will cross Tornado Alley, and then the Ozark Plateau, and the Mississippi Valley, all areas where convective turbulence, due to thunderstorms, can occur, especially in certain seasons. Finally, the flight path crosses the Southeast Interior, also known for convective turbulence. Keep in mind that pilots are highly trained to navigate these well-understood weather patterns, and turbulence is a normal part of flying.

The Phoenix to Birmingham 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 flight, winter and fall are your best bets, with late fall often particularly calm. Summer, late winter, spring, and early summer tend to be bumpier, especially over Tornado Alley, the Ozark Plateau, the Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast Interior, due to increased thunderstorm activity and thermal instability. The Rockies can generate mountain wave turbulence in any season, but the deserts are most active thermally in the warmer months.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight might be your best strategy, as thunderstorms are less likely to develop early in the day. Any turbulence you experience on this route is likely to feel like driving on a road with potholes, some small and some bigger; it's rarely dangerous, just uncomfortable. For extra comfort, consider choosing a seat over the wing, where you'll feel less motion, and remember to stay hydrated and breathe deeply to help manage any anxiety. You've got this, and the crew is there to support you every step of the way.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.