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
9.3 /10
Smoothness
Smooth Flight
75%
Smooth
23%
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 calm conditions around the airport.

Winds Aloft

Winds at cruising altitude are about 26 knots. These winds may delay arrival by a few 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
SMOOTH
75% of your flight
Peak Intensity
MODERATE
Brief sections only
Route Breakdown (61 zones)
Moderate
1 zones (2%)
Light
14 zones (23%)
Smooth
46 zones (75%)
Forecast Valid: Jul 18, 06:00 UTC (Generated: Jul 18, 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
Moderate
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
5 kt
5 mph
Average Winds
26 kt
29 mph
Maximum Winds
68 kt
79 mph
Valid: Jul 18, 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 (13 kt avg) will have minimal impact on flight time. Light crosswinds averaging 18 kt - minimal impact
Route Wind Breakdown
Headwinds
14 zones (23%)
Crosswinds
46 zones (75%)
Minimal headwinds/tailwinds - typical flight time expected
Flight Time Impact
13 kt
Avg Headwind
+6 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 6 kt
• Max Headwind: 45 kt
• Max Crosswind: 51 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)
67%
Smooth (<15%)
41 zones
10%
Light (15-30%)
6 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) 3 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: Jul 18, 07:55 UTC - 09:55 UTC
Movement: W (280°) at 35 kt (~40 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 180755 SIGC CONVECTIVE SIGMET 40C VALID UNTIL 0955Z WI MN IA FROM 30ESE EAU-30SE GRB-20SW BAE-30E MCW-30SW MSP-30ESE EAU AREA TS MOV FROM 28035KT. TOPS ABV FL450. OUTLOOK VALID 180955-181355 FROM 30E AMA-FST-60WNW MRF-30SE DMN-60SSE ABQ-30E AMA 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 - 37,000 ft (FL000 - FL370)
Valid: Jul 18, 06:55 UTC - 08:55 UTC
Movement: Stationary or slow-moving
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 180655 SIGC CONVECTIVE SIGMET 36C VALID UNTIL 0855Z CO FROM 40NW CHE-20ENE CHE-20WSW DBL-20ENE JNC-30N JNC-40NW CHE AREA TS MOV LTL. TOPS TO FL370. OUTLOOK VALID 180855-181255 FROM 30E AMA-FST-60WNW MRF-30SE DMN-60SSE ABQ-30E AMA 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 - 45,000 ft (FL000 - FL450)
Valid: Jul 18, 06:55 UTC - 08:55 UTC
Movement: W (280°) at 35 kt (~40 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 180655 SIGC CONVECTIVE SIGMET 38C VALID UNTIL 0855Z WI MN FROM 40NNE GRB-20N BAE-50SE RWF-30ENE RWF-20WNW EAU-40NNE GRB AREA TS MOV FROM 28035KT. TOPS ABV FL450. OUTLOOK VALID 180855-181255 FROM 30E AMA-FST-60WNW MRF-30SE DMN-60SSE ABQ-30E AMA 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) Moderate Activity

19

Total Strikes

1 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) - 1 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 18 06:00 - Jul 19 12:00 UTC
06:00 - 13:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 5000 ft
06:00 - 13:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 5000 ft
FM 13:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 270° at 13 kt gusting to 22 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 5000 ft, BKN 25000 ft
FM 13:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 270° at 13 kt gusting to 22 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 5000 ft, BKN 25000 ft
FM 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 330° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Weather: VCTS
Clouds: BKN 5000 ft (CB)
TEMPO 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 10° at 20 kt gusting to 30 kt
Visibility: 1 SM
Weather: TSRA BR
Clouds: BKN 2000 ft, OVC 5000 ft (CB)
FM 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 330° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Weather: VCTS
Clouds: BKN 5000 ft (CB)
TEMPO 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 10° at 20 kt gusting to 30 kt
Visibility: 1 SM
Weather: TSRA BR
Clouds: BKN 2000 ft, OVC 5000 ft (CB)
FM 20:00 - 01:00 UTC
Wind: 60° at 11 kt gusting to 17 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 1500 ft, SCT 3500 ft
FM 20:00 - 01:00 UTC
Wind: 60° at 11 kt gusting to 17 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 1500 ft, SCT 3500 ft
FM 01:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 30° at 12 kt gusting to 18 kt
Visibility: 5 SM
Weather: FU
Clouds: SCT 1500 ft
FM 01:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 30° at 12 kt gusting to 18 kt
Visibility: 5 SM
Weather: FU
Clouds: SCT 1500 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KORD 180520Z 1806/1912 24006KT P6SM FEW050 FM181300 27013G22KT P6SM SCT050 BKN250 FM181800 33012KT P6SM VCTS BKN050CB TEMPO 1818/1820 01020G30KT 1SM TSRA BR BKN020 OVC050CB FM182000 06011G17KT P6SM FEW015 SCT035 FM190100 03012G18KT 5SM FU SCT015
Arrival: KSFO
Forecast Valid: Jul 18 06:00 - Jul 19 12:00 UTC
06:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 270° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6
Weather: BR
Clouds: FEW at 500 ft OVC at 800 ft
06:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 270° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6
Weather: BR
Clouds: FEW at 500 ft OVC at 800 ft
FM 18:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 15 kt gusting to 25 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 18:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 15 kt gusting to 25 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 03:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 15 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1500 ft
FM 03:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 15 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1500 ft
FM 06:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: OVC at 1500 ft
FM 06:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: OVC at 1500 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KSFO 180520Z 1806/1912 27010KT 6SM BR FEW005 OVC008 FM181800 28015G25KT P6SM SKC FM190300 29015KT P6SM SCT015 FM190600 28012KT P6SM OVC015
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: 27°C (80°F) | Dewpoint: 22°C
Wind: 240° at 7 kt
Sky: FEW25000 (Base: 25000 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1011.90 inHg (1011 mb)
Observed: Jul 18 07:51 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KORD 180751Z 24007KT 10SM FEW250 27/22 A2988 RMK AO2 SLP110 T02670222 $
Arrival: KSFO
Temperature: 14°C (57°F) | Dewpoint: 12°C
Wind: 260° at 6 kt
Sky: FEW400 OVC1000 (Base: 400 ft)
Flight Category: MVFR
Altimeter: 1016.00 inHg (1016 mb)
Observed: Jul 18 07:56 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KSFO 180756Z 26006KT 10SM FEW004 OVC010 14/12 A3000 RMK AO2 SLP160 T01440122 402000133 $
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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