How we calculate turbulence scores and where our data comes from.
Pilots file turbulence reports (PIREPs) in real-time via FAA and ICAO systems. We aggregate 12+ months of historical PIREPs for each route to identify patterns — which altitude bands are roughest, which months are worst, and how turbulence intensity distributes across the flight path.
Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET) and Airman's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) bulletins from NOAA's Aviation Weather Center identify active turbulence zones. Our app displays live SIGMETs overlaid on route paths.
Modern commercial aircraft automatically measure Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) — the standard scientific measure of atmospheric turbulence intensity. EDR values from ADS-B equipped aircraft provide objective, continuous turbulence measurements across thousands of flights per day. Our turbulence scores are calibrated against EDR thresholds: light (<0.1), moderate (0.1–0.2), severe (>0.2).
Each route's monthly turbulence score is a 5-year rolling average of observed turbulence frequency and intensity. This captures seasonal patterns like winter jet stream strengthening on transatlantic routes and summer convective turbulence in tropical regions.
Our turbulence score (1–25 scale) combines three factors:
The Turbulence Forecast app (iOS) provides real-time data beyond what this website offers — live PIREP feeds updated every 5 minutes, active SIGMET overlays, and AI-powered route forecasts for any flight worldwide.
Download Free on iOSThis site covers 963+ routes across 88+ countries, including transatlantic, transpacific, US domestic, European short-haul, mountain, and South American routes. Routes are continuously updated as new PIREP and EDR data becomes available.