Hiding in plane sight: the invisible turbulence that can strike out of a clear blue sky

A deadly turbulence incident on a Singapore Airlines flight has highlighted the risks that severe air movements pose to passengers and crew. As the climate warms, researchers and aviation experts warn that some forms of turbulence may become more frequent or intense, including clear-air turbulence that is difficult to detect and can strike without visible warning.

On 21 May 2024, flight SQ321 encountered turbulence near a towering storm over Myanmar: one passenger died and 79 were seriously injured. Turbulence is the leading cause of injuries in non-fatal aviation accidents, while US aviation figures record about a dozen serious injuries each year. Storm-related turbulence can extend beyond visible clouds, and climate change is expected to increase the energy behind storms; clear-air turbulence is also a growing concern for pilots and airlines.