00:00 Keep that seatbelt buckled if you're catching a flight this winter.
00:04 Flyers can expect to have a higher likelihood of encountering clear air turbulence during a stronger El Nino, which we haven't had in several years.
00:11 Clear air turbulence is virtually undetectable to pilots.
00:15 We really apologize for that unexpected bump in the wind.
00:18 It's caused by changes in wind speed or direction at different heights in the jet stream.
00:23 AccuWeather severe weather expert Dan Depodwin says that wind shear can intensify during strong El Nino patterns.
00:31 During El Nino years especially, we sometimes see a more active subtropical jet, so the one that brings moisture into the southern part of the United States.
00:39 And so any time that you're flying in or near those two jet streams is when you could have, or would be more prone to encountering clear air turbulence.
00:47 Researchers in the UK say our warming climate has made matters worse.
00:51 Reports of turbulence over the U.S. and the Atlantic have been climbing for years.
00:57 The jet stream, which is this vast flowing band of air, is more chaotic and stronger with global tropospheric warming.
01:04 While pilots keep a close eye on weather and turbulence reports, passengers are encouraged to stay buckled up in their seats.
01:13 Keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you're in your seat, even if the seatbelt sign is off, because clear air turbulence can come up pretty quickly.
