Tulsa to Los Angeles Turbulence Forecast

TUL → LAX · 1,280 miles · ~3h 4m

What to Expect

Flying west from Tulsa (TUL) to Los Angeles (LAX) means crossing a variety of landscapes, each with its own potential for turbulence. Shortly after takeoff, you'll be over Tornado Alley, where, especially in spring and early summer, severe convective turbulence can occur due to rapidly rising warm air. As you continue west across the Great Plains, you might encounter clear-air turbulence, or CAT, which is caused by wind shear at high altitudes. Next, you'll fly over the Southern Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence is possible as air flows over the peaks. Finally, over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, thermal turbulence can develop from rising heat during the day. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use weather forecasts and radar to navigate them.

The Tulsa to Los Angeles 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

• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.
• 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: 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?

Fall offers the calmest flights on this route. Winter and summer tend to be smoother too, with fewer thunderstorms over Tornado Alley and less thermal activity over the deserts. However, spring, early summer, late winter, and early spring can be bumpier. This is when strong storms in Tornado Alley are most common, creating convective turbulence. Also, mountain wave turbulence over the Rockies can be more pronounced in the winter and early spring months when strong winds aloft are more frequent.

Tips for This Flight

Opt for an early morning flight, if possible, because the air is often calmer before the day heats up. Any turbulence you encounter will likely feel like driving on a bumpy, unpaved road for a few minutes at a time. Choosing a seat over the wing can offer a slightly more stable ride, so try to select a seat there when you book. Remember to stay hydrated and breathe deeply to help manage any anxiety, and know that the pilots are trained to handle these conditions safely.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.