Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFROttawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with broken clouds at 18,000 feet and 15 SM visibility. Note: This observation is 1.1 hours old and conditions may have changed.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the northwest (320°) at 9 knots. Runway 32 is favored with a 9-knot headwind and 0-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 15 SM. The ceiling is 18000 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 9°C (48°F) with a dewpoint of 8°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 27 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Light Rain, Mist, FCST. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light Rain, Mist between 03:00Z and 05:00Z. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast between 05:00Z and 12:00Z. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions between 05:00Z and 11:00Z.
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.
Forecast (TAF)
View Full TAF24-Hour Weather Evolution
- • Current conditions from METAR observations
- • Historical data from past 24 hours
- • No forecast or predicted data included
- • Data updated with each new METAR report
- • Hover for exact values and timestamps
- • Click legend items to toggle data series
- • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
- • Units automatically converted to preferences
Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/22 | 3,300 ft | 75 ft | ASP | 26° |
↑ 3.7 kt
•
↔ 8.2 kt
66° angle
|
| 07/25 | 8,000 ft | 200 ft | ASP | 57° |
↓ 1.1 kt
•
↔ 8.9 kt
97° angle
|
|
✈️ 14/32
Active: 32
|
10,000 ft | 200 ft | ASP | 126° |
↑ 9.0 kt
•
↔ 0.0 kt
0° angle
|
Weather Statistics - CYOW
7,089 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 65.1% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 15.4% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 8.8 knots, with gusts recorded up to 31 knots. Temperature extremes range from -27°C to 29°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Low visibility conditions (below 3 SM) occur in 6.3% of weather observations. The best months for VFR flying are May, September, October.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 7,089 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Overview
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport serves as the primary airport for Canada's capital city, located in eastern Ontario. Situated at an elevation of 374 feet above mean sea level, the airport provides critical transportation infrastructure for government, commercial, and regional aviation operations in the National Capital Region.
Flying Conditions
The airport's three runways offer comprehensive wind coverage, with lengths ranging from 3,300 to 10,000 feet. The multiple runway configurations (04/22, 07/25, and 14/32) all feature asphalt surfaces, providing pilots with flexible operational capabilities across different wind conditions and aircraft types.
Notable Features
Located at coordinates 45.322498, -75.669197, the airport is positioned in a relatively flat urban terrain typical of the Ottawa region. The substantial 10,000-foot runway (14/32) provides excellent operational capacity for larger commercial and cargo aircraft, while the shorter runways offer additional flexibility for smaller aircraft.
Approach Considerations
Pilots should note the significant variation in runway lengths, with the longest runway (14/32) offering 10,000 feet of asphalt surface. The multiple runway orientations provide options for handling various wind directions, with the 07/25 and 14/32 runways offering particularly robust length for most commercial and business aviation requirements.
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.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at CYOW
Official Data Sources
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.