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
8.6 /10
Smoothness
Smooth Flight
48%
Smooth
51%
Light
2%
Moderate
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

A brief bumpy patch may occur during cruise. It's nothing to worry about - just keep your seatbelt fastened.

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 possible light bumps, with calm conditions around the airport.

Winds Aloft

Winds at cruising altitude are about 50 knots. These winds may delay arrival by up to 25 minutes.

Landing

Landing should feel a bit bumpy on descent 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
LIGHT
51% of your flight
Peak Intensity
MODERATE
Brief sections only
Route Breakdown (61 zones)
Moderate
1 zones (2%)
Light
31 zones (51%)
Smooth
29 zones (48%)
Forecast Valid: Jun 02, 00:00 UTC (Generated: Jun 02, 00:00 UTC)
Flight Timeline 4h 52min
Maximum turbulence expected per segment
Takeoff
Light
0:30-0:59
Light
0:59-1:28
Light
1:28-1:57
Light
1:57-2:26
Light
2:26-2:55
Light
2:55-3:24
Light
3:24-3:53
Light
3:53-4:22
Moderate
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
19 kt
22 mph
Average Winds
50 kt
57 mph
Maximum Winds
72 kt
83 mph
Valid: Jun 02, 06:00 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 FAIR
Wind Assessment: Moderate headwinds (48 kt avg) will moderately increase flight time. This is typical for this route.
Route Wind Breakdown
Headwinds
60 zones (98%)
Moderate headwinds averaging 48 kt - slightly longer than normal
Flight Time Impact
48 kt
Avg Headwind
+25 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 0 kt
• Max Headwind: 69 kt
• Max Crosswind: 26 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)
15%
Smooth (<15%)
9 zones
18%
Light (15-30%)
11 zones
64%
Moderate (30-50%)
39 zones
3%
Severe (≥50% prob)
2 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) 5 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 - 45,000 ft (FL000 - FL450)
Valid: Jun 02, 03:55 UTC - 05:55 UTC
Movement: W (280°) at 30 kt (~34 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 020355 SIGC CONVECTIVE SIGMET 23C VALID UNTIL 0555Z TX OK KS NE SD FROM 40SE PIR-30E SLN-40NW END-50ENE AMA-60SSE RAP-40SE PIR AREA SEV TS MOV FROM 28030KT. TOPS ABV FL450. HAIL TO 2.5 IN...WIND GUSTS TO 65KT POSS. OUTLOOK VALID 020555-020955 AREA 1...FROM FSM-60W MSL-VUZ-40NW TLH-80SSW TLH-160S CEW-HRV-50SE LFK-FSM WST ISSUANCES POSS. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS. AREA 2...FROM 60NE GGW-80ENE MOT-30WNW MCI-OSW-50NE OKC-40NE AMA-50WNW GCK-AKO-60N BFF-MLS-60NE GGW REF WW 265 267 268. WST ISSUANCES EXPD. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS.
SIGMET KKCI Severe Convective
Altitude Range: 0 - 40,000 ft (FL000 - FL400)
Valid: Jun 02, 03:55 UTC - 05:55 UTC
Movement: W (250°) at 25 kt (~29 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 020355 SIGC CONVECTIVE SIGMET 24C VALID UNTIL 0555Z KS NE CO FROM 40E SNY-40SSE GLD-30SSE DEN-20NW DEN-40E SNY AREA TS MOV FROM 25025KT. TOPS TO FL400. OUTLOOK VALID 020555-020955 AREA 1...FROM FSM-60W MSL-VUZ-40NW TLH-80SSW TLH-160S CEW-HRV-50SE LFK-FSM WST ISSUANCES POSS. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS. AREA 2...FROM 60NE GGW-80ENE MOT-30WNW MCI-OSW-50NE OKC-40NE AMA-50WNW GCK-AKO-60N BFF-MLS-60NE GGW REF WW 265 267 268. WST ISSUANCES EXPD. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS.
SIGMET KKCI Severe Convective
Altitude Range: 0 - 36,000 ft (FL000 - FL360)
Valid: Jun 02, 03:55 UTC - 05:55 UTC
Movement: SW (240°) at 30 kt (~34 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS33 KKCI 020355 SIGW CONVECTIVE SIGMET 3W VALID UNTIL 0555Z WY FROM 10SE CZI-30SE DDY-40ENE OCS-30S BOY-10SE CZI AREA TS MOV FROM 24030KT. TOPS TO FL360. OUTLOOK VALID 020555-020955 TS ARE NOT EXPD TO REQUIRE WST ISSUANCES.
SIGMET KKCI Severe Convective
Altitude Range: 0 - 45,000 ft (FL000 - FL450)
Valid: Jun 02, 04:55 UTC - 06:55 UTC
Movement: W (280°) at 30 kt (~34 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 020455 SIGC CONVECTIVE SIGMET 28C VALID UNTIL 0655Z TX OK KS NE FROM 30N ONL-20NE SLN-30WNW END-50NE AMA-70NE BFF-30N ONL AREA SEV TS MOV FROM 28030KT. TOPS ABV FL450. HAIL TO 2.5 IN...WIND GUSTS TO 65KT POSS. OUTLOOK VALID 020655-021055 AREA 1...FROM FSM-60W MSL-VUZ-40NW TLH-80SSW TLH-160S CEW-HRV-50SE LFK-FSM WST ISSUANCES POSS. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS. AREA 2...FROM 60NE GGW-80ENE MOT-30WNW MCI-OSW-50NE OKC-40NE AMA-50WNW GCK-AKO-60N BFF-MLS-60NE GGW REF WW 265 267 268. WST ISSUANCES EXPD. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS.
SIGMET KKCI Severe Convective
Altitude Range: 0 - 40,000 ft (FL000 - FL400)
Valid: Jun 02, 04:55 UTC - 06:55 UTC
Movement: W (250°) at 25 kt (~29 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 020455 SIGC CONVECTIVE SIGMET 29C VALID UNTIL 0655Z CO FROM 20SSW SNY-30ESE AKO-60NW PUB-50ENE DBL-20SSW SNY AREA TS MOV FROM 25025KT. TOPS TO FL400. OUTLOOK VALID 020655-021055 AREA 1...FROM FSM-60W MSL-VUZ-40NW TLH-80SSW TLH-160S CEW-HRV-50SE LFK-FSM WST ISSUANCES POSS. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS. AREA 2...FROM 60NE GGW-80ENE MOT-30WNW MCI-OSW-50NE OKC-40NE AMA-50WNW GCK-AKO-60N BFF-MLS-60NE GGW REF WW 265 267 268. WST ISSUANCES EXPD. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS.
Active Turbulence Warnings (AIRSIGMETs) Loading...
Lightning Activity (Last Hour) Severe Activity

917

Total Strikes

5 min ago

Latest Strike

Active

Ongoing Activity

1 hour

Time Window
Lightning strikes near your route indicate convective activity (thunderstorms). Active storms detected within the last 15 minutes. Areas with lightning typically have severe turbulence, icing, hail, and strong winds. Avoid these areas by at least 20 nautical miles.
Pilot Reports (PIREPs) - 36 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: Jun 02 00:00 - Jun 03 06:00 UTC
00:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 40° at 9 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 15000 ft, BKN 25000 ft
FM 18:00 - 02:00 UTC
Wind: 50° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 25000 ft
FM 02:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 40° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 25000 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KORD 012325Z 0200/0306 04009KT P6SM FEW150 BKN250 FM021800 05012KT P6SM FEW250 FM030200 04006KT P6SM FEW250
Arrival: KSFO
Forecast Valid: Jun 02 00:00 - Jun 03 06:00 UTC
00:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 300° at 15 kt gusting to 25 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 800 ft
FM 06:00 - 10:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1000 ft
FM 12:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 5 kt
Visibility: 6
Weather: BR
Clouds: SCT at 700 ft OVC at 1000 ft
FM 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 300° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 1500 ft
FM 20:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 300° at 15 kt gusting to 25 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
Raw TAF: 
TAF KSFO 012329Z 0200/0306 30015G25KT P6SM FEW008 FM020600 29010KT P6SM SKC FM021000 29006KT P6SM BKN010 FM021200 29005KT 6SM BR SCT007 OVC010 FM021800 30012KT P6SM FEW015 FM022000 30015G25KT P6SM SKC
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: 14°C (57°F) | Dewpoint: 3°C
Wind: 0° at 0 kt
Sky: FEW25000 (Base: 25000 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1022.10 inHg (1022 mb)
Observed: Jun 02 03:51 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KORD 020351Z 00000KT 10SM FEW250 14/03 A3018 RMK AO2 SLP219 T01440028 $
Arrival: KSFO
Temperature: 14°C (57°F) | Dewpoint: 11°C
Wind: 310° at 13 kt
Sky: FEW900 FEW20000 (Base: 900 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1014.30 inHg (1014 mb)
Observed: Jun 02 03:56 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KSFO 020356Z 31013KT 10SM FEW009 FEW200 14/11 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP143 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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