Recent Pacific Turbulence
Jan 28, 2022, 1:10 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 295
Recent Pacific Turbulence
I've noticed that the turbulence over the Pacific on the mainland routes has been more prolific for the last few weeks than I'm used to seeing, and I've lived in the islands for about 10 years now. Lots of moderate turbulence reports and even a few reports of severe scattered about. I haven't seen any major storms between Hawaii and the mainland, so what's stirring things up so much more than usual, and when can we expect it to get better?
Jan 28, 2022, 8:22 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LAX/SMF/PDX/HNL
Programs: Hilton-lifetime diamond, Southwest A+, companion pass
Posts: 1,748
I've noticed that the turbulence over the Pacific on the mainland routes has been more prolific for the last few weeks than I'm used to seeing, and I've lived in the islands for about 10 years now. Lots of moderate turbulence reports and even a few reports of severe scattered about. I haven't seen any major storms between Hawaii and the mainland, so what's stirring things up so much more than usual, and when can we expect it to get better?
Jan 29, 2022, 7:11 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,819
In my experience, the Pacific routes always seem to have more turbulence. The route from around Alaska down to Japan always seemed to be guaranteed. I am shocked when I have a flight to Hawaii and dont have "some" turbulence. I am not an expert on this subject but I dont think it really takes a severe storm to create severe turbulence.
Jan 29, 2022, 6:26 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 295
I'd agree that most flights will have some turbulence. I wouldn't debate that fact, but what I'm saying is that things are significantly worse in both the intensity and the number of turbulence reports over the past 10-12 days or so. I don't see an obvious reason for this shift such as storms or unusually strong winds aloft between HI and the mainland, so I'm looking for some insight, perhaps from pilots or forecasters, who might have some knowledge about why this happening and when it might end.