Wichita to Phoenix Turbulence Forecast

ICT → PHX · 868 miles · ~2h 14m

What to Expect

Your flight from Wichita to Phoenix, heading west across 868 miles, does cross some interesting geographical areas that can lead to turbulence. Immediately after takeoff, you'll be over the Great Plains, known for clear-air turbulence, or CAT, which can happen even when the sky looks perfectly clear. As you continue, you'll fly through Tornado Alley, where severe convective turbulence is possible, especially during storm season. Next, you'll encounter the Southern Rockies, which can cause mountain wave turbulence as air flows over the peaks. Finally, approaching Phoenix, you'll cross the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence can occur due to rising warm air. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use weather data and radar to navigate for a smooth flight.

The Wichita to Phoenix 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

• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.
• 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?

The summer and fall months generally offer the smoothest flights on this route. The air tends to be more stable, minimizing the chances of significant turbulence. However, winter and early spring tend to be bumpier, mainly due to strong jet streams causing clear-air turbulence over the Great Plains. Spring and early summer can also be rougher because of convective turbulence associated with storm activity in Tornado Alley. Additionally, late winter and summer can see mountain wave turbulence as air flows over the Rockies, and thermal turbulence in the deserts.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, consider booking your flight for the morning, as the air is often calmer earlier in the day. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving on a bumpy road, with varying degrees of intensity. Try to stay hydrated throughout your flight, as dehydration can make you more sensitive to motion, and consider choosing a seat over the wing, which tends to experience less motion. Remember, the pilots are highly trained and constantly monitoring conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.