KORD KSFO

Chicago O'Hare International Airport San Francisco International Airport
Route Information
Departure

KORD (ORD)

Distance

2,963.9 km (1,600.4 nautical miles)

Arrival

KSFO (SFO)

Flight Time

292 minutes (4h 52m)

Flight Profile

Cruise Altitude: 36,000 ft (Flight Level 360)

Route calculated using great circle navigation

Turbulence Comfort Along Route Comfort View
Comfort Score: Combines turbulence probability (GTG forecast) with intensity (ZTI analysis). High scores indicate both high probability AND high intensity turbulence.
Smooth
Comfortable
Noticeable
Uncomfortable
Formula: (Probability × Intensity)
Flight Smoothness Score
9.5 /10
Smoothness
Smooth Flight
80%
Smooth
20%
Light
AI-Powered Flight Briefing
📊 6,000 data points analyzed
Advanced AI-Powered Flight Briefing
Your Flight

We analysed more than 6,000 data points along your route from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago to San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco.

Your Journey Beta

Your route takes you over the Rocky Mountains and over the Sierra Nevada – these areas can sometimes cause light turbulence.

Smooth Flight

We're expecting smooth conditions throughout your flight. You can sit back and relax.

Takeoff

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

Winds Aloft

Winds at cruising altitude are about 19 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
Live data from ECMWF global forecast models • 12 atmospheric pressure levels analyzed • Updated every 6 hours
Most Common
SMOOTH
80% of your flight
Peak Intensity
LIGHT
Excellent conditions
Route Breakdown (61 zones)
Light
12 zones (20%)
Smooth
49 zones (80%)
Forecast Valid: Jul 17, 06:00 UTC (Generated: Jul 17, 06:00 UTC)
Flight Timeline 4h 52min
Maximum turbulence expected per segment
Takeoff
Smooth
0:30-0:59
Smooth
0:59-1:28
Smooth
1:28-1:57
Smooth
1:57-2:26
Smooth
2:26-2:55
Smooth
2:55-3:24
Smooth
3:24-3:53
Light
3:53-4:22
Light
Landing
Light
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Severe
Longer bars indicate higher turbulence intensity. Values shown are the maximum for each time segment.
Turbulence Metrics ZTI and EDR
Comparing Two Turbulence Metrics:
  • ZTI (ZeroTurb Index): Our proprietary composite metric (0.0-1.0 scale)
  • EDR (Eddy Dissipation Rate): ICAO/WMO official standard (m^(2/3)/s scale)
ZTI Scale (Custom)
Smooth
<0.2
Light
0.2-0.5
Moderate
0.5-0.75
Severe
>0.75
EDR Scale (ICAO)
Smooth
<0.1
Light
0.1-0.4
Moderate
0.4-0.7
Severe
>0.7

Detailed Analysis Below: While flights generally follow these patterns, our advanced turbulence prediction system analyzes real-time weather data, atmospheric conditions, and pilot reports to provide you with precise, route-specific forecasts. Review the detailed metrics and interactive maps below for a comprehensive understanding of expected conditions along your flight path.

How Aircraft Size Affects Your Comfort

Did you know that the size of your aircraft can affect how turbulence feels? Larger, wide-body aircraft have more mass and inertia, which means they absorb turbulent air movements more smoothly. Smaller regional jets and turboprops are lighter, so passengers may feel more noticeable movement during the same turbulence conditions.

Important: All commercial aircraft, regardless of size, are designed and certified to safely handle even severe turbulence. The difference is only in passenger comfort - not safety.

Learn more about how aircraft size affects your turbulence experience
Technical Forecast Details Advanced Analysis

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Comprehensive Flight Profile Altitude • Wind • Turbulence

Flight Altitude Profile
  • X-axis: Distance along route (km)
  • Y-axis (left): Aircraft altitude (feet)
  • Blue = Climb phase
  • Green = Cruise phase
  • Orange = Descent phase
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)

Real turbulence reports from pilots who recently flew near your route:

  • Green = Smooth (no turbulence)
  • Yellow = Light turbulence
  • Orange = Moderate turbulence
  • Red = Severe turbulence
Wind Speed
  • Y-axis (right): Wind speed in knots
  • Sudden wind changes often indicate turbulence
  • Hover over points to see wind direction
AI Comfort Forecast
  • Y-axis (right): Comfort Score (0-70)
  • <1 = Smooth (cyan)
  • 1-25 = Light (green)
  • 25-50 = Moderate (orange)
  • >50 = Severe (red)
Tip: Look for areas where multiple indicators coincide (e.g., pilot reports + AI forecast + wind changes) to identify the most likely turbulence zones.
Global Winds Forecast ECMWF Open Data Worldwide Coverage
Route-Specific Forecast: Wind data calculated at 61 waypoints along your flight path using high-resolution ECMWF global weather model (0.25° grid, ~25km resolution).
Minimum Winds
2 kt
2 mph
Average Winds
19 kt
22 mph
Maximum Winds
46 kt
53 mph
Valid: Jul 17, 09:00 UTC
Source: European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
Flight Planning: Headwinds increase flight time and fuel consumption. Tailwinds decrease both. Strong crosswinds may affect takeoff/landing at airports.
Wind Impact Analysis GOOD
Wind Assessment: Light headwinds (7 kt avg) will have minimal impact on flight time. Light crosswinds averaging 13 kt - minimal impact
Route Wind Breakdown
Tailwinds
15 zones (25%)
Headwinds
12 zones (20%)
Crosswinds
33 zones (54%)
Minimal headwinds/tailwinds - typical flight time expected
Flight Time Impact
7 kt
Avg Headwind
+3 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 9 kt
• Max Headwind: 28 kt
• Max Crosswind: 36 kt
Wind Speed Along Route ECMWF Forecast
ZeroTurb Index (ZTI) Analysis Custom Algorithm
What is ZTI? Our proprietary ZeroTurb Index combines three meteorological indicators to give you a comprehensive turbulence probability (0.0-1.0 scale). The chart below shows how each component contributes to the overall ZTI along your route:
  • Richardson Number (Ri): Atmospheric stability - lower values indicate CAT risk
  • Wind Shear Index (WSI): Rate of wind speed/direction changes
  • Temperature Gradient Index (TGI): Frontal boundary strength
  • ZTI (Composite): Proprietary composite of the three indices above
ZTI Thresholds: Smooth: 0.0-0.2 Light: 0.2-0.5 Moderate: 0.5-0.75 Severe: 0.75-1.0
Scientific GTG Analysis NOAA Standards
For Aviation Professionals: This section shows turbulence zones using conservative NOAA GTG thresholds. These scientific thresholds are more cautious than the user-friendly "Comfort View" above, which better represents typical passenger experience.

Note: Modern aircraft are designed to handle moderate turbulence effortlessly. What scientific models classify as "moderate" often goes unnoticed by passengers due to advanced flight control systems and aircraft structural design. Most commercial flights encounter some level of atmospheric turbulence that the aircraft manages automatically.
Zone Distribution (Scientific Thresholds)
56%
Smooth (<15%)
34 zones
21%
Light (15-30%)
13 zones
23%
Moderate (30-50%)
14 zones
0%
Severe (≥50% prob)
0 zones
Threshold Comparison
Category Comfort View Scientific (NOAA)
Smooth <20% probability <15% probability
Light 20-50% 15-30%
Moderate 50-75% 30-50%
Severe ≥75% ≥50%
Turbulence Probability Along Route GTG Forecast
Low (0-30%)
Light or no turbulence
Medium (30-50%)
Moderate turbulence likely
High (50-70%)
Moderate-severe expected
Extreme (70-100%)
Severe turbulence
Active SIGMETs (Turbulence Warnings) 2 Warnings
SIGMETs are official warnings about significant turbulence that may affect flight safety. Always consult official aviation weather briefings before flight.
SIGMET KKCI Severe Convective
Altitude Range: 0 - 36,000 ft (FL000 - FL360)
Valid: Jul 17, 08:55 UTC - 10:55 UTC
Movement: Stationary or slow-moving
Raw SIGMET: WSUS33 KKCI 170855 SIGW CONVECTIVE SIGMET 72W VALID UNTIL 1055Z ID NV OR FROM 30NE REO-50SE REO-60WSW BAM-90WNW BAM-30NE REO AREA TS MOV LTL. TOPS TO FL360. OUTLOOK VALID 171055-171455 FROM HUH-HVR-ELP-40S TUS-BZA-140W TOU-50SW HUH-HUH WST ISSUANCES POSS. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS.
SIGMET KKCI Severe Convective
Altitude Range: 0 - 43,000 ft (FL000 - FL430)
Valid: Jul 17, 08:55 UTC - 10:55 UTC
Movement: S (190°) at 20 kt (~23 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS33 KKCI 170855 SIGW CONVECTIVE SIGMET 75W VALID UNTIL 1055Z MT UT ID NV FROM 50ENE DLN-50WSW BPI-30NE BVL-TWF-30ENE LKT-50ENE DLN AREA TS MOV FROM 19020KT. TOPS TO FL430. OUTLOOK VALID 171055-171455 FROM HUH-HVR-ELP-40S TUS-BZA-140W TOU-50SW HUH-HUH WST ISSUANCES POSS. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS.
Active Turbulence Warnings (AIRSIGMETs) Loading...
Lightning Activity (Last Hour) Low Activity

1

Total Strikes

57 min ago

Latest Strike

Decreased

Activity Level

1 hour

Time Window
Lightning strikes near your route indicate convective activity (thunderstorms). Areas with lightning typically have severe turbulence, icing, hail, and strong winds. Avoid these areas by at least 20 nautical miles.
Pilot Reports (PIREPs) - 2 Reports
What are PIREPs? Pilot Reports (PIREPs) are real-time observations from pilots flying the route. They provide the most accurate turbulence information available.
Time (UTC) Intensity Altitude Aircraft Report
Airport Forecasts (TAF) - Next 24-30 Hours
Departure: KORD
Valid: Jul 17 06:00 - Jul 18 12:00 UTC
06:00 - 15:00 UTC
Visibility: 1.5 SM
Weather: FU
Clouds: OVX
TEMPO 11:00 - 13:00 UTC
Visibility: 0.75 SM
Weather: FU
FM 15:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 220° at 6 kt
Visibility: 3 SM
Weather: FU
Clouds: BKN 10000 ft
FM 18:00 - 22:00 UTC
Wind: 250° at 9 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Weather: VCSH
Clouds: SCT 3500 ft
TEMPO 18:00 - 22:00 UTC
Visibility: 1 SM
Weather: -TSRA
Clouds: BKN 3000 ft (CB)
FM 22:00 - 02:00 UTC
Wind: 250° at 9 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Weather: VCTS
Clouds: SCT 3500 ft (CB)
PROB PROB 30% 22:00 - 02:00 UTC
Visibility: 3 SM
Weather: -TSRA BR
Clouds: BKN 4000 ft (CB)
FM 02:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 230° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: BKN 5000 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KORD 170520Z 1706/1812 VRB03KT 1 1/2SM FU VV018 TEMPO 1711/1713 3/4SM FU FM171500 22006KT 3SM FU BKN100 FM171800 25009KT P6SM VCSH SCT035 TEMPO 1718/1722 VRB15G25KT 1SM -TSRA BKN030CB FM172200 25009KT P6SM VCTS SCT035CB PROB30 1722/1802 VRB15G25KT 3SM -TSRA BR BKN040CB FM180200 23010KT P6SM BKN050
Arrival: KSFO
Forecast Valid: Jul 17 06:00 - Jul 18 12:00 UTC
06:00 - 11:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 15 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1000 ft
FM 11:00 - 17:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1000 ft
FM 17:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 14 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1000 ft
FM 20:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 20 kt gusting to 25 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 06:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1000 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KSFO 170520Z 1706/1812 28015KT P6SM SCT010 FM171100 28012KT P6SM BKN010 FM171700 29014KT P6SM SCT010 FM172000 29020G25KT P6SM SKC FM180600 28012KT P6SM BKN010
About TAF: Terminal Area Forecasts (TAF) provide detailed 24-30 hour weather forecasts for airports, including wind, visibility, cloud ceiling, and weather phenomena. Updated every 6 hours by NOAA Aviation Weather Center.
Current Airport Weather (METAR)
Departure: KORD
Temperature: 24°C (75°F) | Dewpoint: 19°C
Wind: 0° at 0 kt
Visibility: 1.5 SM
Sky: OVX2000 (Base: 2000 ft)
Flight Category: IFR
Altimeter: 1017.70 inHg (1017 mb)
Observed: Jul 17 09:51 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KORD 170951Z 00000KT 1 1/2SM FU VV020 24/19 A3005 RMK AO2 SLP169 T02390194 $
Arrival: KSFO
Temperature: 14°C (57°F) | Dewpoint: 11°C
Wind: 270° at 8 kt
Sky: FEW600 SCT1200 (Base: 600 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1012.30 inHg (1012 mb)
Observed: Jul 17 09:56 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KSFO 170956Z 27008KT 10SM FEW006 SCT012 14/11 A2989 RMK AO2 SLP122 T01390111 $
About METAR: Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METAR) provide current weather observations from airports, including temperature, wind, visibility, clouds, and atmospheric pressure. Updated hourly by NOAA Aviation Weather Center. Flight Categories: VFR (Good), MVFR (Marginal), IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), LIFR (Low Instrument Flight Rules).
Route Segment Analysis

The route has been divided into segments of approximately 500km each for detailed analysis.

Route Map With GTG Forecast Overlay
Data Sources & Our Approach
ZeroTurb's Custom Algorithm: Unlike generic turbulence forecasts, we've developed a proprietary ZeroTurb Index (ZTI) algorithm that combines three meteorological indices weighted by their predictive accuracy. This gives you transparent, passenger-focused turbulence probability (0.0-1.0 scale) instead of vague categories. Our approach processes raw ECMWF atmospheric data through custom calculations to detect Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT), wind shear zones, and frontal boundaries that cause bumpy rides.

This forecast integrates data from:

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

How accurate are turbulence alerts? Alerts are based on updated forecast models and pilot reports, and can change as departure approaches.

Flight Insights & Recommendations

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