Tuscaloosa National Airport

KTCL / TCL

Tuscaloosa, US

Last Updated
Jul 5, 02:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Aging 1 hour ago
02:53Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
27°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 24°C
0 kt
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1015 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KTCL 050253Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 27/24 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP145 T02670239 51007

Weather Briefing

VFR

Tuscaloosa National Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility. Note: This observation is 1.1 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are calm, presenting no crosswind concerns for any runway.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 27°C (81°F) with a dewpoint of 24°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Thunderstorm Rain. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Thunderstorm Rain between 21:00Z and 00:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1015 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1009 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (170 ft)
Pressure Alt
118 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,599 ft
ISA Deviation: +12.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KTCL 042320Z 0500/0524 23005KT P6SM SCT050 FM050300 00000KT P6SM BKN250 FM051600 27004KT P6SM SCT050 PROB30 0521/0524 4SM TSRA BKN050CB
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
03:56Z BASE
+0h
VFR 230° 5 kt
Visibility: >6SM

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
  • • Hover for exact values and timestamps
  • • Click legend items to toggle data series
  • • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
  • • Units automatically converted to preferences
Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
TCL
04
22
11
29

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
04/22 6,499 ft 150 ft ASP 41°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
41° angle
11/29 4,001 ft 100 ft ASP 117°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
117° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KTCL

8,395 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
71.2%
MVFR
19.4%
IFR
6.9%
LIFR
2.5%

Tuscaloosa National Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 71.2% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 9.4% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 6.2 knots. Calm conditions occur 33.9% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -9°C to 36°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are July, September, April.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 6.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 29 kt
Calm Winds: 33.9%
Direction Distribution:
E
4.2%
N
11.7%
S
19.8%
W
4.9%
NE
6%
NW
8.4%
SE
4.1%
SW
7%

Temperature Range

Average: 16.7°C
Range: -9°C to 36°C
-9°C 36°C

Visibility

Average: 8.5 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.4%
Fog Frequency: 3.1%

Best Months for VFR

July September April

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 04/22
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.8 kt
Runway 11/29
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.7 kt

Statistics computed from 8,395 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Tuscaloosa National Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KTCL
IATA Code: TCL
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 170 ft MSL

Location

City: Tuscaloosa
Country: US
Latitude: 33.220600°
Longitude: -87.611397°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 04/22
Length: 6,499 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 11/29
Length: 4,001 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Tuscaloosa National Airport

Overview

Tuscaloosa National Airport serves the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area in Alabama, providing critical aviation infrastructure for the region. Located at an elevation of 170 ft MSL, the airport supports medium-sized aircraft operations with two paved runways. Its strategic location and dual runway configuration offer flexibility for general aviation, training, and regional transportation needs.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at KTCL are predominantly favorable, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) prevailing 69.8% of the time. Northerly winds dominate, averaging 5.9 knots with calm conditions occurring 38.8% of observations. Temperature ranges from -7°C to 35°C, with September through November offering the most consistent VFR flying conditions and minimal meteorological interruptions.

Notable Features

The airport features two asphalt runways: Runway 04/22 at 6,499 feet and Runway 11/29 at 4,001 feet. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with minimal average crosswind velocities (3.6 and 4.3 knots respectively). The relatively low elevation and balanced wind characteristics make this airport accessible for various aircraft types and pilot experience levels.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect excellent wind conditions for approaches, with low crosswind components on both runways. Visibility averages 8.4 statute miles, with only 2.7% of observations showing reduced visibility below 3 miles. Fog occurs in 4.9% of observations, suggesting generally clear approach conditions but requiring standard low-visibility procedural awareness.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.