Thunderstorms and Turbulence in Flight
Turbulence is air movement that makes an aircraft shake. Thunderstorms are its strongest source, and pilots avoid them. Turbulence is uncomfortable but rarely dangerous to a well-built aircraft; the main risk to passengers is injury from not wearing a seat belt.
What causes turbulence
- Thunderstorms and clouds: strong up and down air currents.
- Clear-air turbulence: near the jet stream, without any visible cloud.
- Mountain waves: wind flowing over mountains, relevant in northern Pakistan.
- Wake turbulence: from another aircraft ahead.
How pilots avoid it
They use weather radar, forecasts and air traffic control to route around storm cells, and sometimes change altitude. This can add minutes to the flight. During approach, storms near the airport can cause holding or diversion; see holding pattern and windshear.
What passengers should do
- Keep your seat belt fastened when seated, even when the sign is off.
- Follow crew instructions, and secure loose items.
- Remember that flight crews are trained for this and aircraft are built to withstand far more than you will feel.
On a tracker
You may see aircraft curving around an area during the monsoon season. Check the rain radar on the live map.
See also monsoon and flights.
General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.