American Airlines DCA BUF AA5158
American Airlines · Live forecast
DCA → BUF
AA5158 · Mar 16, 2026 · 22:08
80
Calm Score
"A smooth ride ahead — sit back and enjoy."
5h 23m
Duration
257 nm
Distance
24,000 ft
Cruise Altitude
VERY HIGH
Confidence
Turbulence comfort along route
Comfort score combines turbulence probability with intensity — higher means rougher
Smooth Light Moderate Severe

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We know turbulence can feel scary — especially on long flights. This report is built for you: what bumps feel like, when they happen, and why you'll be completely safe. 1 in 3 passengers feel exactly like you.
Right now on your route
Live pilot reports from aircraft flying DCA → BUF
15 pilot reports along this route
9 / 15
Reporting smooth
2 / 15
Light turbulence
4
Moderate or worse
Latest pilot reports
Moderate
YZ UA /OV CYTZ 090025 /TM 2230 /FLDURD /TP DH8D /TB MOD 050-100 /RM CONS CHOP
8m ago
Smooth
IAD UA /OV LDN/TM 2224/FL1110/TP CL35/IC -3/RM LIGHT MIXED
14m ago
Smooth
BUF UA /OV BUF270020/TM 2223/FL090/TP B190/TA M05/IC LGT RIME/RM DURD
15m ago
Smooth
ROC UUA /OV ROC/TM 2221/FL008/TP CRJ7/RM LLWS +/-10 KT 008-SFC DURD RY22 ROC
17m ago
Light
BWI UA /OV BAL210003/TM 2219/FL050/TP A321/SK OVC005/010/TB LGT CHOP
19m ago
AI-powered flight briefing
1,000 data points analyzed · VERY HIGH confidence
Your Flight

We analysed more than 1,000 data points along your route from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington to Buffalo Niagara International, Buffalo.

Your Journey Beta

Your route takes you over the Appalachian Mountains – conditions there can sometimes cause light turbulence.

Mostly Smooth

Overall conditions look mostly smooth with occasional light bumps. Nothing to worry about.

Takeoff

Takeoff should feel smooth with possible light bumps, with calm conditions around the airport.

Winds Aloft

Winds at cruising altitude are about 61 knots.

Landing

Landing should feel smooth with possible light bumps with typical approach conditions.

You're in Safe Hands

If you feel nervous at any point, remember that turbulence is expected, safe, and part of normal flying. The crew is monitoring everything, and the aircraft is built to handle far more than anything you will feel. Have a safe and calm flight.

Relaxation Exercises
ZeroTurb Index (ZTI): Powered by our turbulence prediction algorithm combining atmospheric Richardson Number, wind shear analysis, temperature gradients, and geomagnetic activity. Learn more
Live data from ECMWF global forecast models · 12 atmospheric pressure levels · Updated every 6 hours
Flight Timeline 5h 23min
Maximum turbulence expected per segment
Takeoff
Light
0:30-1:00
Light
1:00-1:30
Light
1:30-1:59
Light
1:59-2:28
Light
2:28-2:57
Light
2:57-3:26
Smooth
3:26-3:55
Smooth
3:55-4:24
Light
4:24-4:53
Light
Landing
Smooth
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Severe
Longer bars indicate higher turbulence intensity. Values shown are the maximum for each time segment.
Airport conditions
Live weather at departure and arrival
DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport — Departure
Wind
10 kt G21 (160°)
Sky
Overcast
Temperature
18°C
Conditions
VFR — Clear conditions, no delays expected
BUF Buffalo Niagara International — Arrival
Visibility
3 mi
Wind
22 kt G35 (250°)
Sky
Overcast
Temperature
0°C
Conditions
MVFR — Reduced visibility, minor delays possible
Your flight details
Departure timing and aircraft information
Evening Flight Departure
Time of day
Evening Flight
Tip
Evening and night flights typically offer smoother conditions as thermal activity subsides and the atmosphere stabilizes after sunset.
When
Today
Data sources & our approach
ZeroTurb's Custom Algorithm: Our proprietary ZeroTurb Index (ZTI) combines three meteorological indices weighted by their predictive accuracy — giving you transparent, passenger-focused turbulence probability instead of vague categories.

This forecast integrates data from:

Disclaimer: This forecast is for informational purposes only. Always consult official aviation weather sources and follow ATC guidance.