Savannah to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

SAV → BUR · 2,142 miles · ~4h 47m

What to Expect

The Savannah to Burbank route, heading west, is a long one, about 4 hours and 47 minutes, and it does cross some geographically interesting areas that can contribute to turbulence. Initially, you'll be flying over the Southeast Interior and the Mississippi Valley, regions known for convective turbulence, especially if it's a warm day. Then comes the Ozark Plateau and especially Tornado Alley, where severe convective turbulence can occur, again linked to weather patterns that pilots are very familiar with. As you approach the western half of the flight, the Southern Rockies can cause mountain wave turbulence, and finally, the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts can bring thermal turbulence. All these types of turbulence are normal, understood weather phenomena that pilots train extensively to manage.

The Savannah to Burbank 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

• Convective Turbulence: The warm, humid Southeast interior supports frequent thunderstorm development, particularly during afternoon hours.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Southern Rockies produce lee waves when southwesterly upper-level winds flow across the terrain.
• 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?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim for late fall or winter. Fall is also a good choice. During these seasons, the atmospheric conditions over Tornado Alley and the Southern Rockies are generally more stable, reducing the chance of convective and mountain wave turbulence. Spring and early summer tend to be the bumpiest times to fly this route, with increased instability over the Southeast Interior and the Mississippi Valley, leading to more convective activity and potential for severe turbulence, especially around Tornado Alley.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a flight for the early morning often provides the smoothest ride because the atmosphere hasn't had a chance to heat up and create those convective currents. The turbulence you might encounter on this route typically feels like driving on a bumpy road or a sudden, short drop. To stay comfortable, consider choosing a seat over the wing, where movement is generally less noticeable, and make sure to stay well-hydrated. Remember, turbulence is a normal part of flying, and the pilots are always monitoring the conditions to ensure a safe flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.