Seattle to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

SEA → BUR · 938 miles · ~2h 23m

What to Expect

Flying from Seattle south to Burbank, you'll be covering nearly a thousand miles and crossing some significant terrain. The good news is, airline pilots are experts at navigating these conditions. Expect some potential bumps as you cross the Cascades early in the flight. This is often due to mountain wave turbulence, where air flows over the mountains and creates waves, like ripples in a stream. Later, as you approach the California coast, you might experience clear-air turbulence (CAT), which is caused by wind shear at higher altitudes. Finally, you'll cross the Sierra Nevada, encountering mountain wave effects again. Remember, pilots are constantly monitoring weather conditions and adjusting altitude or route to find the smoothest possible ride. These are common, well-understood phenomena, and your flight crew is prepared to handle them.

The flight between Seattle and Burbank passes over the Cascades, the volcanic mountain chain stretching from northern California through Washington. When moist Pacific air is forced up and over the Cascades, it creates both orographic turbulence and downstream wave activity. The terrain is especially steep near major volcanoes like Mount Rainier, amplifying the effect.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Cascades create lee waves and orographic turbulence, especially when Pacific weather systems push moist air over the range.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): Pacific jet streaks arriving onshore drive upper-level clear-air turbulence along the West Coast.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the calmest flight, aim for the summer or early fall. During these months, the atmosphere tends to be more stable, reducing the likelihood of mountain wave turbulence and clear-air turbulence. Fall, winter, and early spring can be more turbulent. Stronger winds during these seasons interacting with the Cascades and the Sierra Nevada can create more pronounced mountain wave effects. Also, temperature differences and jet stream activity can contribute to increased clear-air turbulence along the Pacific Coast.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, book a morning flight; the atmosphere is often more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you encounter on this route is most likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road or a boat gently rocking on the water. Choosing a seat over the wing provides the most stable ride, and staying well-hydrated can help you feel more relaxed. Remember to breathe deeply and trust that the pilots are expertly managing the flight. You'll be on the ground in sunny Burbank before you know it.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.