Salt Lake City to Birmingham Turbulence Forecast

SLC → BHM · 1,470 miles · ~3h 26m

What to Expect

Your flight from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Birmingham (BHM) crosses a variety of terrains, each with its own potential for turbulence. Initially, you'll encounter the Central Rockies and the Front Range, where mountain wave turbulence is common as wind interacts with the mountains. As you move eastward, the flight path crosses the Great Plains, known for clear-air turbulence (CAT), which can occur even in seemingly clear skies. Further along, you'll enter Tornado Alley where, especially during certain times of the year, severe convective turbulence associated with storm systems can occur. Finally, as you approach Birmingham, you'll fly over the Ozark Plateau, the Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast Interior. These areas can experience convective turbulence as well. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use weather forecasts, radar, and reports from other aircraft to navigate these areas safely and smoothly.

Between Salt Lake City and Birmingham, the flight path crosses the Central Rockies of Colorado and Utah. This area is one of the most turbulence-prone zones in the U.S., with mountain wave activity reported on more than half of winter days. Waves can propagate far downstream, meaning turbulence may begin well before or after the visible peaks.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Central Rockies produce frequent, sometimes severe, mountain waves that can extend 100+ miles downstream.
• 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.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest experience on this route, aim to fly in the late fall. Early fall and winter months also tend to be calmer. The bumpier seasons are winter, early spring, spring, early summer, and summer. This is because the Rockies experience stronger winds during the colder months, increasing mountain wave turbulence. Also, severe convective turbulence and convective turbulence are more frequent in the warmer months as rising warm air creates thunderstorms over the Great Plains, Ozark Plateau, Mississippi Valley, and Southeast Interior.

Tips for This Flight

Choosing a morning flight will likely give you a smoother ride, as convective turbulence tends to build up later in the day. Any turbulence you experience on this flight will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road or a mild roller coaster. For added comfort, select a seat over the wing, as this area of the plane typically experiences less motion. Remember to stay hydrated and focus on slow, deep breaths. The crew is well-trained to handle any situation, and most flights experience only light to moderate turbulence.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.