clear-air turbulence

American  

[kleer-air] / ˈklɪərˈɛər /

noun

1. atmospheric turbulence, sometimes severe, occurring in air devoid of clouds or other visible indicators that turbulence might be present. CAT

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clear-air turbulence Scientific  

/ klîr′âr′ /

1. Atmospheric turbulence that occurs under tranquil and cloudless conditions at high altitudes near jet streams, mountain ranges, and developing storm systems. It subjects aircraft to strong updrafts and downdrafts.

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Etymology

Origin of clear-air turbulence

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

clear-air turbulence

Convective and orographic are often more avoidable - it is the clear-air turbulence that, as the name might imply, cannot be seen.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2025

Forecasting turbulence has got better in recent years and while it is not perfect, Prof Williams suggests we can correctly forecast about 75% of clear-air turbulence.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2025

Instances of moderate or more violent clear-air turbulence have increased by 37% over the north Atlantic Ocean over the last 40 years, according to a 2023 study analyzing data from 1979 to 2020.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2024

But clear-air turbulence “is altogether another animal,” according to Doug Moss, a former airline pilot and safety consultant.

From Seattle Times ● May 21, 2024

Over the past four decades clear-air turbulence has increased by up to 55 percent in various regions around the world.

From Scientific American ● Jul. 1, 2023