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Turbulence Forecast Map
The turbulence forecast map displays predicted rough air conditions along flight routes worldwide. Using wind shear models at multiple pressure levels, SIGMET alerts, and real-time pilot reports, it shows you where turbulence will be before you fly.
What data sources power the forecast map
The turbulence forecast map combines four data sources: (1) Open-Meteo wind forecasts — global numerical weather prediction model providing wind speed at 200, 250, 300, 400, and 500 hPa pressure levels. Wind shear between these levels is the primary predictor of clear-air turbulence. (2) PIREP network — thousands of pilot turbulence reports daily from commercial and general aviation aircraft, filed to NOAA/FAA Aviation Weather Center. (3) SIGMET alerts — official international weather warnings issued when turbulence exceeds defined severity thresholds. (4) Historical EDR data — eddy dissipation rate records from aircraft sensors, averaged by route and season.
How to interpret the forecast map
The map uses a standard color scale: green = smooth or light (EDR < 0.25), yellow = moderate (EDR 0.25–0.4), orange = significant (EDR 0.4–0.55), red = severe (EDR > 0.55). Altitude layers matter: most commercial flights cruise at 28,000–38,000 ft (roughly 250–300 hPa). Turbulence at 200 hPa (39,000 ft) affects high-altitude routes; 400–500 hPa (18,000–24,000 ft) affects regional routes and approaches. Mountain regions show persistent turbulence caused by orographic waves — these are reliable regardless of current weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regions are most turbulent on the forecast map right now?
Turbulence patterns are seasonal: in Northern Hemisphere winter (Dec–Mar), the North Atlantic jet stream produces the most active turbulence on the forecast map — affecting JFK–LHR, BOS–CDG, and ORD–FRA corridors. The Andes in South America are turbulent year-round. Rocky Mountain routes (DEN, SLC, JAC) show persistent turbulence regardless of season. Summer brings more convective turbulence in tropical and subtropical regions.
How far in advance does the forecast map predict turbulence?
Wind shear models provide reliable turbulence forecasts 24–72 hours ahead for clear-air turbulence (CAT) associated with the jet stream. Convective turbulence (thunderstorms) is predictable 6–12 hours ahead. The 7-day forecast is based on synoptic weather patterns and is useful for planning but less precise for specific flight times. TurboTrack updates the map every 15 minutes using the latest model runs.
Does the map show turbulence for European routes?
Yes — the forecast map has full coverage for all European routes. The most turbulent European areas are: Alpine corridors (MXP–ZRH, MXP–GVA, VIE–ZRH) with year-round mountain wave turbulence, the Scotland–Iceland corridor in winter with strong jet stream, and the Bay of Biscay crossing (flights between UK/France and Iberia). Continental European routes (intra-Schengen) are generally light turbulence outside of winter frontal systems.
Is the turbulence forecast map free to use?
Yes — the turbulence forecast map on this website is free. You can check any route for historical turbulence scores and seasonal patterns at no cost. The live forecast feature (wind shear calculation, current PIREPs, active SIGMETs) is available in the TurboTrack iOS app. The web forecast at turbulence-forecast.com/forecast/ provides a route-specific turbulence outlook using the same wind data.
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