Salt Lake City to Myrtle Beach Turbulence Forecast

SLC → MYR · 1,871 miles · ~4h 15m

What to Expect

Your flight from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Myrtle Beach (MYR) crosses diverse terrain, each potentially contributing to turbulence. Immediately after takeoff, you'll fly over the Central Rockies and the Front Range, where mountain wave turbulence can occur as wind interacts with the mountains. As you continue east over the Great Plains, clear-air turbulence (CAT) can sometimes develop. Further along, you'll traverse Tornado Alley and the Ozark Plateau, where severe convective turbulence and general convective turbulence can arise, especially when conditions are right for thunderstorms. You will cross the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, where weather fronts can cause frontal turbulence. Finally, as you near Myrtle Beach, flying over the Southern Appalachians may result in mechanical turbulence near the ground. Pilots are well-versed in navigating these common weather patterns, using onboard radar, and reports from other aircraft to ensure a safe flight.

Between Salt Lake City and Myrtle Beach, 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.
• Frontal Turbulence: The Ohio Valley is a preferred storm track where frontal boundaries and embedded convection create turbulence year-round.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

Late summer and early fall are often the calmest times to fly this route. Conditions are typically more stable over the Plains, and convective activity in the Southeast Interior decreases. Winter, early spring, spring, early summer, and summer, on the other hand, tend to be bumpier. This is due to stronger jet streams leading to increased clear-air turbulence over the Great Plains, and more frequent thunderstorms creating convective turbulence across the Ozark Plateau, Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley and Southeast Interior. In the winter, mountain wave turbulence becomes more frequent over the Rockies as well.

Tips for This Flight

Opting for a morning flight can often mean a smoother ride because the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. If you do encounter turbulence, know that it's often similar to driving on a bumpy road; unsettling, but generally not dangerous. Choose a seat over the wing, as that area experiences less motion. Staying well-hydrated can also help you feel more comfortable, as dehydration can amplify feelings of anxiety. Remember, the pilots are highly trained to handle these conditions, and the plane is engineered to withstand much more than you will likely experience.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.