San Diego to Savannah Turbulence Forecast

SAN → SAV · 2,089 miles · ~4h 41m

What to Expect

Your flight from San Diego to Savannah crosses a variety of landscapes, each with its own potential for turbulence. Initially, you'll be over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where 'thermal turbulence' can occur, caused by rising warm air. As you move east, you'll encounter the Southern Rockies, a region known for 'mountain wave turbulence', which happens when air flows over the mountains. Central plains bring the risk of 'severe convective turbulence', due to weather patterns in Tornado Alley. Finally, as you approach Savannah, you'll cross the Mississippi Valley and Southeast Interior, which can generate 'convective turbulence' due to warm, moist air. It sounds like a lot, but pilots are trained to anticipate and navigate these conditions, often finding smoother air at different altitudes or adjusting the flight path slightly.

The San Diego to Savannah route passes over the Southern Rockies in New Mexico and southern Colorado. While somewhat lower than the peaks to the north, these mountains still produce notable mountain wave turbulence, particularly when strong southwesterly winds aloft align perpendicular to the ridgeline.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Southern Rockies produce lee waves when southwesterly upper-level winds flow across the terrain.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The calmest flights on this route are usually in winter and late fall. The air is generally more stable then, reducing thermal and convective activity. Summer, spring, and early summer tend to be bumpier. The desert heat ramps up thermal turbulence, and the severe weather season in Tornado Alley and the Southeast Interior increases the likelihood of convective turbulence. Keep in mind that weather is inherently unpredictable, but these are the general trends.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, try to book a morning flight, as the air tends to be calmer before the day heats up. Any turbulence you do experience on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road, or a sudden dip. Choose a seat over the wing, which tends to offer a slightly more stable ride. Staying hydrated can also help you feel more comfortable, so drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Remember that the pilots are highly skilled at managing these conditions, and the plane is designed to handle them safely.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.