Reno to Savannah Turbulence Forecast

RNO → SAV · 2,202 miles · ~4h 54m

What to Expect

Reno to Savannah is a cross-country route with diverse potential for turbulence. The first part of your flight will take you over several mountain ranges, including the Sierra Nevada, the Central Rockies, and the Front Range. These are prone to mountain wave turbulence, which occurs when strong winds pass over the mountains, creating wave-like air patterns. Further east, over the Great Plains, you might encounter clear-air turbulence (CAT), a type of turbulence that's hard to predict visually but well-understood by pilots. As you cross Tornado Alley and approach the Ozark Plateau and the Mississippi Valley, convective turbulence, caused by rising warm air, becomes a possibility. Finally, as you near Savannah, you'll fly over the Southern Appalachians, where mechanical turbulence (caused by wind interacting with the terrain) can occur. Your pilots are trained to navigate all of these common weather patterns.

Flights between Reno and Savannah cross the Sierra Nevada, a steep mountain barrier in eastern California. The Sierra generates some of the most intense rotor and wave turbulence in the world — the famous "Sierra Wave" can reach the stratosphere. East-side downdrafts are especially sharp, and flights into or out of Reno or the Central Valley often feel the effects.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Sierra Nevada produces the well-known Sierra Wave, one of the strongest mountain wave systems in North America.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.
• Mechanical Turbulence: The Southern Appalachians produce terrain-induced chop, especially during strong wind events and summer convection over the ridgeline.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The summer and early fall months generally offer the smoothest flights along this route. The weather patterns that lead to mountain wave turbulence and convective turbulence are less frequent during this time. Conversely, winter, spring, and early summer tend to be bumpier. Mountain wave turbulence is more common in winter and spring due to stronger winds aloft, while convective turbulence is more prevalent in spring and summer as warmer temperatures create unstable air masses. Tornado Alley is obviously most active in the spring, too, which means more convective turbulence.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking a morning flight may help you avoid some of the afternoon convective turbulence that can build up over the Plains and Southeast. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving over a series of potholes or gentle rolling waves on a boat. Choosing a seat over the wing tends to provide a slightly more stable ride, and staying well-hydrated can help you feel your best. Remember that the pilots are constantly monitoring weather conditions and are prepared to adjust the flight path for your comfort and safety.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Reno or to Savannah.

More from Reno

More to Savannah

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.