How to use Turbulenceforecast.com
Turbulenceforecast.com is a website designed to provide you information you need to know to see if your next flight will be turbulent. Below, all the available maps are described.
Pilot Reports of Turbulence
The symbols on these maps indicate actual encounters of turbulence by as entered by the aircrafts pilot, or recorded by the aircraft's automated systems. Blue circles mean it was smooth, light triangles mean light turbulence, orange triangles mean moderate turbulence, and red triangles mean sever turbulence were encountered.
Potential Turbulence Areas
This map shows areas of the US in which forecasters believe turbulence encounters are likely, shaded green for a chance of moderate turbulence, shaded red for a chance of severe turbulence.
Maximum Turbulence Potential
This computer generated map shows the maximum turbulence potential in the US, based on many factors, including the jet stream, frontal system, winds, and more. The composite form which shows turbulence potential across all altitudes, or you can see a map for a specific altitude. You can also view the current outlook, or see how things look up to 12 hours away.
Clear Air Turbulence
These computer generated maps indicate where there is a chance for encounters with Clear Air Turbulence.
Convective / Storms
These maps indicate where there is convective activity, and thunderstorms.
Surface Winds
When it's windy on the ground, your takeoff or landing could be turbulent.
Weather Map
The weather map shows frontal systems, which may cause turbulence, as well as general weather information which might be useful.
Radar / Echo Tops
This map shows where there is rain and storms, and tells you how high these storms go. It's often possible to fly over storms, as certain planes can go 40,000ft or higher.
Jet Stream
The jet stream has great influence on the turbulence of your flight, so it's important to know where it is.
