What does the turbulence map show?
The coloured layer is a turbulence forecast for the whole world at three cruising altitudes (FL300, FL340, FL390), for now and up to 48 hours ahead. Blue is light, orange moderate and red severe. Outlined areas are active SIGMETs (official warnings for turbulence, thunderstorms and icing) and dots are recent pilot reports of turbulence.
Where does the turbulence map data come from?
The forecast layer is computed from the NOAA GFS weather model (0.5° grid) with the wind-shear model used in the TurboTrack app: the change of wind speed and direction between two altitudes, weighted up inside the jet stream. SIGMETs and pilot reports come from aviationweather.gov (NOAA Aviation Weather Center).
How often is the turbulence map updated?
The forecast layer is rebuilt every 6 hours, as soon as a new GFS run is published. SIGMETs and pilot reports refresh every 15 minutes.
Can I see turbulence for my flight?
Yes. Enter your departure and arrival above and the map draws your route coloured by the forecast. For a timed forecast of your exact flight — each point at the hour you pass it, at three altitudes — order the
Flight Report, or browse the
routes list for typical turbulence by route and month.
Which routes are most turbulent?
Mountain crossings top the list: the Andes (Santiago–Mendoza), the Rockies around Denver and the Himalaya. Transatlantic and North Pacific flights get bumpy near the jet stream, mostly in winter. See the
most turbulent flights ranking.
What do the route scores below the map mean?
The region cards and the route list show a long-term turbulence score from 0 to 100 for each route — how bumpy it usually is, not a forecast for a given day. Use the map above for the current forecast.