Tulsa to Chicago Midway Turbulence Forecast

TUL → MDW · 583 miles · ~1h 40m

What to Expect

Tulsa to Chicago Midway is a pretty common route, but it does cross some areas known for certain types of turbulence. The first part of your flight takes you over Tornado Alley, so you might encounter what's called Severe Convective Turbulence, especially if there are storms in the area. As you continue northeast, you'll fly over the Ozark Plateau and the Mississippi Valley, both of which can generate Convective Turbulence from rising warm air, particularly on sunny days. Near the end of your flight, as you approach Chicago, you’ll be over the Great Lakes, where Lake-Effect Turbulence can occur, especially when there's cold air moving over the warmer lake waters. Finally, you might experience Frontal Turbulence over the Ohio Valley, if you happen to be flying during the passage of a cold or warm front. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use radar and reports from other aircraft to navigate around them.

Between Tulsa and Chicago Midway, the flight path crosses Tornado Alley, the region stretching from Texas through Oklahoma and Kansas where severe convective storms are most frequent in the U.S. Supercell thunderstorms in this region produce extreme updrafts and downdrafts, and flights are routinely deviated around these cells, especially in spring and early summer.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• 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?

For the smoothest flight, aim for fall or summer. During those times, the air tends to be more stable over Tornado Alley and the Ozarks, reducing the chance of Convective Turbulence. Spring and early summer, on the other hand, are often the bumpiest times to fly this route, as these are peak seasons for thunderstorm activity in the central US. Late fall, early winter, and winter can also be a bit rougher, thanks to the potential for Lake-Effect Turbulence near Chicago and Frontal Turbulence across the Ohio Valley.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight tends to be a good idea, as the atmosphere is often more stable earlier in the day. Most of the turbulence you might experience on this route feels like driving over potholes in a car, rather than anything more dramatic. For added comfort, choose a seat over the wing, as that part of the plane experiences less motion. Remember to stay hydrated and focus on slow, deep breaths. The pilots are highly trained to handle any bumps, and the aircraft are built to withstand far more than you'll ever encounter.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Tulsa or to Chicago Midway.

More from Tulsa

More to Chicago Midway

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.