What causes bumpy, turbulent air during low-altitude flights?

Convective currents are a significant factor in creating bumpy, turbulent air, particularly during low-altitude flights. These currents are generated by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, where areas that are heated more strongly (such as dark pavement or asphalt) cause the air above them to warm up and rise. As this warm air ascends, it creates vertical air movements, which can lead to turbulence, especially when the aircraft is flying at lower altitudes where these effects are stronger.

When flying in conditions where these convective currents are active—such as warm sunny days—pilots may encounter turbulence as the aircraft moves between rising warm air and descending cooler air. This can cause a bumpy ride as the aircraft interacts with varying air pressures and temperatures in the atmosphere.

While adverse weather conditions, wind shear, and microbursts are also important considerations for pilots, they are generally associated with specific weather phenomena or conditions that might lead to turbulence. In contrast, convective currents are a common and natural phenomenon caused by thermal dynamics occurring on the Earth's surface.