Salt Lake City to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

SLC → BUR · 574 miles · ~1h 39m

What to Expect

That Salt Lake City to Burbank route has some interesting air currents to be aware of. Heading southwest, you'll first be crossing the Central Rockies, which can create what's called Mountain Wave Turbulence. Imagine wind flowing over a rocky stream; that's similar to what happens when air flows over mountains, creating waves of air that can cause bumps. Later in the flight, as you approach Burbank, you'll be over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. These areas are known for Thermal Turbulence. The hot desert air rises rapidly, creating updrafts and downdrafts that can feel like driving over a bumpy road. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns, and they use weather forecasts and radar to navigate them safely. These are normal, expected conditions, and airlines fly this route multiple times a day, every day.

Between Salt Lake City and Burbank, 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.
• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The smoothest rides on this route are often in the fall. The weather patterns tend to be more stable then. Summer can also be relatively smooth. Winter and early spring, however, tend to be bumpier. This is because the temperature differences are more extreme. Stronger winds blowing across the Rockies lead to more pronounced Mountain Wave Turbulence. Also, the increased solar heating of desert terrain leads to more frequent Thermal Turbulence. The summer desert heat causes the same effect.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, consider booking a morning flight; the air is often calmer before the day heats up. Any turbulence you might experience on this route is typically light to moderate, similar to driving on a slightly bumpy road. To help yourself feel more comfortable, choose a seat over the wing; this area tends to experience less motion. Remember to stay hydrated and practice deep, slow breathing to manage any anxiety. The pilots and crew are there to ensure your safety and comfort, and they're experts at handling these common weather conditions.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Salt Lake City or to Burbank.

More from Salt Lake City

More to Burbank

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.