Tulsa to Wichita Turbulence Forecast

TUL → ICT · 132 miles · ~46m

What to Expect

That quick hop northwest from Tulsa (TUL) to Wichita (ICT) is a very common route, but it does cross a couple of weather zones that can bring bumps. The first section of your flight path goes through Tornado Alley, so you might experience what's called Severe Convective Turbulence. This is caused by rapidly rising warm air creating thunderstorms. Pilots are very skilled at navigating these, and radar helps them avoid the worst of it. Later in the flight, as you cross over the Great Plains, you could encounter Clear-Air Turbulence, often abbreviated as CAT. This type of turbulence happens because of wind shear, which is a change in wind speed or direction at different altitudes. It's completely invisible, but pilots are constantly monitoring weather reports and other aircraft to get the best possible ride, and it is always well within safety margins.

Between Tulsa and Wichita, 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.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest flight, aim for fall, winter, or summer if possible. The weather during these seasons tends to be more stable over both Tornado Alley and the Great Plains, meaning less of a chance for those bumpy conditions. Spring and early summer, as well as winter and early spring, are usually the bumpiest times to fly this route. This is because spring and early summer are peak season for thunderstorms in Tornado Alley. The winter and early spring can also experience more intense CAT as weather systems change more frequently over the Plains.

Tips for This Flight

If you can, booking a morning flight will likely give you the smoothest ride, because atmospheric conditions are usually more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you might experience on this route is likely to feel like driving quickly over a series of small potholes. It's normal and safe. To help stay comfortable, choose a seat over the wing, where movement is minimized. Remember to stay hydrated and perhaps practice some deep breathing exercises to help you relax. You'll be in Wichita before you know it.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.