Archive · 24 Jun 2025
Climate Change Fuels Airplane Turbulence, Study Says
Imagine the Earth is getting a fever, and this fever is making storms worse.
These storms create strong, sudden gusts of wind, like invisible punches, that can be dangerous for airplanes.
Scientists have found that climate change is making these gusts stronger because it adds more water into the air.
This extra water and heat then create bigger storms.
Smaller planes are especially at risk because they are more easily tossed around by these winds.
Climate change increases risks to airlines from thunderstorm microbursts.
Researchers found a link between
Heat and moisture are primary factors in creating turbulence-causing downbursts.
Global warming increases the water vapor in the lower atmosphere, fueling stronger thunderstorms.
Small aircraft are more vulnerable to strong wind gusts from these storms.
- Who
- Researchers, specifically Professor Lance M Leslie and Milton Speer.
- What
- Climate change is increasing turbulence, especially from thunderstorm microbursts.
- When
- Ongoing, with increasing impacts expected.
- Where
- At lower altitudes, affecting airplane takeoff and landing.
- Why
- Because global warming increases moisture and heat, which fuel stronger thunderstorms and thus, more turbulence.
- Researchers
- Lance M Leslie and Milton Speer
- Source
- The Conversation
- Main Concern
- Thunderstorm microbursts and their impact on planes.
- Primary cause
- Heat and moisture
- Effect
- Increased Turbulence