Portland Maine to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

PWM → BUR · 2,625 miles · ~5h 45m

What to Expect

Your flight from Portland Maine (PWM) to Burbank (BUR) covers a significant distance, meaning you'll encounter a variety of weather patterns that can lead to turbulence. Initially, over the Atlantic Seaboard, expect the possibility of clear-air turbulence, a phenomenon caused by colliding air masses at high altitudes. As you cross the Northern Appalachians, there could be mechanical turbulence, which results from wind interacting with the mountains. Over the Great Lakes, lake-effect turbulence may occur, created by cold air moving over warmer waters. Further west, over the Upper Midwest and Great Plains, you might again experience clear-air turbulence. Finally, as you approach Burbank, be prepared for potential mountain wave turbulence near the Front Range and Central Rockies, and thermal turbulence over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts as heated air rises. Remember, pilots are trained to anticipate and handle these conditions every day.

Flights between Portland Maine and Burbank pass along the Front Range, where the abrupt rise of the Colorado Rockies generates some of the strongest mountain wave turbulence in the continental U.S. Downdrafts east of the ridgeline can be intense, and rotor turbulence near the surface sometimes extends to cruising altitude during high-wind events.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The Atlantic coast jet stream and land-sea temperature contrasts create frequent clear-air turbulence at cruising altitude.
• Mechanical Turbulence: The Northern Appalachians generate low-level mechanical turbulence during strong post-frontal northwest winds.
• Lake-Effect Turbulence: The Great Lakes produce lake-effect convection and low-level wind shear from land-water temperature contrasts.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: Strong westerly winds over the Front Range create oscillating waves that can produce sustained moderate turbulence at jet cruise levels.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The smoothest flights on this route are typically in the summer and early fall, when the atmosphere is generally more stable. The opposite is true during the winter, late fall, early winter, and early spring, which tend to be bumpier. This is due to stronger jet streams that cause more clear-air turbulence, and increased storm activity that leads to mechanical and lake-effect turbulence. Mountain wave turbulence can occur year-round, but is more common when winds are strong over the Rockies. Thermal turbulence is more common in summer due to increased heating of the desert landscapes.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, aim for a morning flight, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy, unpaved road. Prepare for this, and remember that it's a normal part of flying, and the pilots are always aware of the conditions. Staying well-hydrated can help you feel more comfortable, so bring a water bottle and sip on it throughout the flight. Try to focus on your breathing and remember that you're in capable hands.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.