Tulsa to New Orleans Turbulence Forecast

TUL → MSY · 538 miles · ~1h 35m

What to Expect

Your flight from Tulsa to New Orleans will take you southeast across a landscape known for some interesting weather. Right out of Tulsa, you'll be crossing Tornado Alley, which, especially in spring, can bring what's known as Severe Convective Turbulence. Further along, you'll fly over the Ozark Plateau and then the Mississippi Valley; these areas are prone to Convective Turbulence as well, especially on hot days when warm air rises quickly. Finally, as you approach New Orleans, you'll be flying near the Gulf Coast, another area where Convective Turbulence can occur. It's important to remember that pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use onboard weather radar, as well as reports from other aircraft, to navigate the most comfortable path. While bumps are possible, especially in certain weather conditions, they are a normal part of flying and are actively managed.

Between Tulsa and New Orleans, 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 ride on this route, aim to fly during the fall, winter, or early spring months. The air is generally more stable during these times, reducing the chance of significant convective activity. Spring and summer, however, tend to be the bumpiest seasons. This is because the combination of warm, moist air and strong sunshine creates conditions ripe for the development of thunderstorms and the turbulent updrafts and downdrafts associated with them, especially over Tornado Alley, the Ozarks, the Mississippi Valley, and the Gulf Coast.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, consider booking your flight for the morning, as convective activity tends to build up later in the day. Any turbulence you do experience on this route will likely feel like driving quickly on a bumpy dirt road; it's usually more unsettling than dangerous. To help stay calm, choose a seat over the wing; this area experiences less motion. Staying well-hydrated can also help reduce anxiety; bring a water bottle and sip it throughout the flight, reminding yourself that the pilots are highly skilled professionals who are well-prepared to handle any weather conditions.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.