Science Weekly Why is air turbulence getting worse?
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May 23, 2024 
Guy Gratton, aviation expert, discusses the increase in severe air turbulence and its causes. Topics include pilot strategies, climate change impact, and enhancing forecasting to mitigate risks in air travel.
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Severe Turbulence On London–Singapore Flight
- A recent London–Singapore Boeing 777 flight hit severe turbulence causing one death and multiple injuries.
- Passengers were triaged on the tarmac and some were carried off on stretchers after the event.
Slow Or Descend To Reduce Turbulence Effects
- Pilots can descent below clear-air turbulence or slow to rough-air speed to reduce loads and passenger motion.
- Slowing below rough-air speed lowers structural stress and makes turbulence feel less severe inside the cabin.
Climate Change Is Strengthening Turbulence
- A study found severe clear-air turbulence increased about 55% between 1979 and 2020 on busy North Atlantic routes.
- Climate change strengthens jet streams by warming the troposphere and cooling the stratosphere, boosting turbulence energy.