does rain cause turbulence

Does rain cause turbulence? According to statistical data, air travel is comparatively safer than driving.

But, who gives attention to these statistics when your plane shakes, jolts, and momentarily tumbles amidst gloomy monsoon clouds?

This often makes people think they should not be traveling by air when it rains. Is it true? Does moderate rain cause turbulence?

Turns out, rain does not cause turbulence and the likelihood of experiencing any issue due to heavy rain is quite low.  

Does Rain Cause Turbulence?

is turbulence caused by rain

No is the straightforward response to the question, “Does flying in rain cause turbulence?”

Turbulence is not a result of rainfall.

The fact that it is pouring outside while you are on a flight does not necessarily imply that your flying experience will be unpleasant.

Turbulence is often associated with a particular type of cloud feature. Clouds are formed by the accumulation of small water droplets. 

Should You Avoid Flying in Bad Weather?

should you avoid flying in bad weather

Inclement weather during your commute to the airport does not necessarily indicate a turbulent flight.

A multitude of airplanes worldwide functions seamlessly in various weather conditions, including rain and snow, without any incidents.

The regulations for commercial airliners are very stringent, particularly when it comes to takeoff conditions.

There is no reason for the aircraft to take chances with unfavorable weather conditions.

Fact: Departures will not be cleared by air traffic controllers (ATC) if the conditions are deemed unsafe. 

An important Consideration

It is easy to navigate through rain clouds while flying.

Typically, rain clouds are less likely to cause any turbulence, and there is no noticeable difference in flying through them compared to regular clouds.

During severe weather conditions, turbulence may occur due to the presence of thick clouds. Nevertheless, there is no reason to worry. 

Is Turbulence Dangerous?

is turbulence dangerous

Regarding turbulence, it is crucial to understand that it is not a hazardous phenomenon.

Although it is understandable to feel uneasy, be confident that your aircraft is designed to endure even the most severe conditions. 

The movement of your aircraft during turbulence might not be as significant as you perceive it to be.

In case of expected turbulence during a flight, it is important to follow the instructions of the pilots and fasten your seatbelt.

Can Turbulence Cause Accidents?

can turbulence cause accidents

According to a recent study, there may be a rise in cases of severe turbulence, but should air travelers be concerned? Not really.

 Since 1980, turbulence has resulted in six incidents.

The reason behind all of it was that individuals were not properly fastened into their seats when the plane encountered dangerous weather conditions.

It is quite normal to experience a certain level of turbulence during a flight. It happens when an airplane encounters a powerful air current.

In essence, when two masses of air with different speeds collide, it can cause your flight to be a bit bumpy.

Travelers experience turbulence during the flight, but the aircraft adjusts to the most stable height.

Fact: Although it might seem like the aircraft descended by 100 feet, in reality, it seldom drops by more than 50 feet.  

When Exactly Is Turbulence Caused If It Is Not for Rain?

non-rain-related turbulence triggers

The primary cause of air turbulence experienced during flights is due to convective activity, which involves the upward and downward movement of air, rather than precipitation.

The Sun’s uneven heating of the Earth’s surface is the main cause of convective activity.

When the sun is shining brightly, it increases the temperature. 

But the temperature of the air above a black asphalt parking lot rises faster and more intensely than the air above a body of water, like a lake, located nearby.

The variation in temperature leads to the ascent of warmer and lighter air over the parking lot, resulting in the formation of turbulent pockets.

Fact: Thermals are generated by pockets of unstable air, allowing Birds, such as eagles to use thermal currents to effortlessly soar and ascend through the sky.

Is It Possible to Predict Turbulence?

is it possible to predict turbulence

Yes, it is. The presence of cumulonimbus clouds, which form due to intense convection, can be a clear sign of possible turbulence.

Pilots are alerted to potential turbulence by the towering, anvil-shaped clouds that can reach the same heights as commercial aircraft.

It appears that this area is more likely to be turbulent compared to regions that only receive precipitation such as rain or snow.

It is true that precipitation such as rain or snow can cause some disruptions.

Still, the turbulence they generate is typically less intense than the turbulence caused by powerful convective activity.

How Can You Tell If the Rain is Convective?

identifying convective rain

To determine if precipitation is convective, it is necessary to observe various indicators.

And the most significant one is the existence or non-existence of cumulus or cumulonimbus clouds.

Their origin from the ascent of warm air is frequently linked to convective activity.

When preparing for a flight is important to carefully examine:

  • METARs
  • TAFs
  • Convective SIGMETs

These reports provide valuable information about the weather conditions and potential convective weather that may impact the flight.

Resources to Help Predict Turbulent Weather

resources to help predict turbulent weather

Many resources offer details on anticipated weather patterns, such as the probability of thunderstorms and turbulence, which are all signs of convective behavior.

During the flight, pilots can obtain current information by communicating with air traffic control (ATC) and through pilot reports (PIREPs).

Reports of PIREPs provide real-time updates on weather conditions during flights, based on firsthand experiences.

Identifying unexpected convective activity and sudden weather changes can be extremely beneficial.

The air traffic control (ATC) team can also furnish weather reports and transmit data from other planes.

How Technology Helps Make Air Turbulence Better?

how technology helps make air turbulence better

When you travel in a relatively smaller aircraft, be prepared to experience more turbulence compared to a larger aircraft, as the weight and size of the plane can make a difference.

When it comes to rough turbulence, the experience is like comparing a small boat riding big waves to a yacht or cruise ship.

The latter would provide a smoother ride due to its size. Throughout time, airplanes have been designed to withstand severe turbulence.

Although an airplane may encounter severe turbulence and sustain external damage, the aircraft is designed to endure such conditions.

The pilots receive a pilot report known as PIREP before the departure of the flight.

The report includes:

  • Preflight plans
  • Up-to-date turbulence reports from airplanes in flight
  • Precise predictions of turbulence-prone areas using satellites 
An Important Consideration
light detection and ranging

The LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is situated beneath the front of the airplane and is also used by pilots.

LIDAR technology utilizes lasers and radars to detect the speed of particles in the air, including dust. 

Pilots can detect turbulence up to 6 miles ahead using the light and radar system, giving them ample time to make necessary preparations. 

Ensuring Safety and Efficiency During Flight

ensuring safety and efficiency during flight

It is crucial to have up-to-date weather reports as the weather can shift quickly, making accuracy a top priority.

For this, it is important to:

  • Stay updated on weather conditions
  • Communicate with air traffic control
  • Observe cloud patterns during a flight to ensure safety and efficiency

This is particularly important when flying through heavy precipitation or areas with potential for convective activity.

Can Lightning and Rain Cause Turbulence and Bring Down the Aircraft?

lightning rain and aircraft turbulence

According to specialists, lightning strikes on an airplane are expected to occur as seldom as once per year.

Furthermore, in the event of such an occurrence, neither you nor the aircraft equipment will be damaged or affected.

Aircrafts are designed to withstand more than eight times the energy of a lightning bolt. 

In case of a strike, the energy is absorbed by small, needle-shaped mechanisms located on the wings.

This ensures that neither the passengers nor the aircraft’s electronics are impacted.

Fact: In the event of a strike, it is possible that your pilot may opt to land as a precautionary measure rather than out of distress. 

Takeaway

Does rain cause turbulence? It does not. The airplane is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions without getting damaged.

The cabin and wings have the ability to endure high levels of pressure. With advanced avionics, it is feasible to land in low visibility conditions without any hassle.

Passenger comfort is a top priority for aircraft, so they take every measure to ensure that. So, the next time, do not think twice before flying just because it is raining.