Tulsa to Memphis Turbulence Forecast

TUL → MEM · 341 miles · ~1h 11m

What to Expect

Your flight from Tulsa to Memphis, while relatively short at just over an hour, does cross some geographic areas known for turbulence. You'll be flying east, right through Tornado Alley, which is prone to severe convective turbulence especially during storm season. As you continue east, you'll cross the Ozark Plateau and then the Mississippi Valley, both of which can experience convective turbulence as well. Finally, you'll fly across the Southeast Interior before landing in Memphis, another area where convective turbulence is common. Convective turbulence, by the way, is caused by rising warm air, which is why it's more common over land than water. Pilots are very familiar with these weather patterns and use onboard radar, as well as reports from other pilots, to navigate these areas safely and smoothly.

Between Tulsa and Memphis, 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.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim to travel this route in the late fall or winter. These seasons are generally calmer as the atmospheric conditions are more stable and convective turbulence is less frequent. Spring and early summer tend to be the bumpiest times to fly between Tulsa and Memphis. This is because the increased heat and moisture during these seasons fuel the convective activity over Tornado Alley, the Ozark Plateau, the Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast Interior, leading to more turbulence.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is often a good idea, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable early in the day. Any turbulence you might encounter on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road or a sudden dip. Remember to stay hydrated before and during your flight, as dehydration can exacerbate anxiety. Choosing a window seat over the wing can also help, as it provides a visual reference that can reduce any feelings of disorientation, and remember, the crew is well trained to handle any situation that may arise, so you're in good hands.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.