Savannah to Salt Lake City Turbulence Forecast

SAV → SLC · 1,801 miles · ~4h 6m

What to Expect

The Savannah to Salt Lake City route, clocking in at just over 1800 miles, presents a diverse range of potential turbulence. Shortly after departing Savannah, you'll cross the Southeast Interior, an area known for convective turbulence, caused by rising warm air. As you head northwest, you'll encounter the Southern Appalachians, where mechanical turbulence, created by wind interacting with the mountains, may be present. Further along, you'll fly over the Mississippi Valley and the Ozark Plateau, both prone to convective turbulence. Tornado Alley could bring severe convective turbulence; this area demands respect. As you continue west over the Great Plains, expect possible clear-air turbulence (CAT), often found at higher altitudes. Finally, approaching Salt Lake City, you'll navigate the Front Range and Central Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence, a result of wind flowing over the mountains, is common. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use weather forecasting and onboard radar to navigate them safely.

Flights between Savannah and Salt Lake City pass along the Front Range, where the abrupt rise of the Colorado Rockies generates some of the strongest mountain wave turbulence in the continental U.S. Downdrafts east of the ridgeline can be intense, and rotor turbulence near the surface sometimes extends to cruising altitude during high-wind events.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Convective Turbulence: The warm, humid Southeast interior supports frequent thunderstorm development, particularly during afternoon hours.
• Mechanical Turbulence: The Southern Appalachians produce terrain-induced chop, especially during strong wind events and summer convection over the ridgeline.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: Strong westerly winds over the Front Range create oscillating waves that can produce sustained moderate turbulence at jet cruise levels.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim for late fall or winter. During these months, the convective activity over the Southeast Interior, Mississippi Valley, and Ozark Plateau tends to be less intense. Summer, spring, and early summer tend to be the bumpiest seasons, as the increased heat fuels convective turbulence and the jet stream patterns can amplify clear-air and mountain wave turbulence. Early spring can also be turbulent due to the dynamic weather patterns associated with storm systems moving across the country.

Tips for This Flight

Booking a morning flight is often your best bet for a smoother ride, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving on a road with potholes or hitting a few unexpected bumps. Remember that pilots are constantly monitoring the conditions and will adjust altitude or course to find smoother air when possible. Staying well-hydrated can minimize any discomfort from turbulence, so drink plenty of water before and during your flight, and consider choosing a seat over the wing, where the motion is typically less noticeable. You've got this.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.