Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
MVFRKirkwall Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with broken clouds at 2,600 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the north-northwest (340°) at 23 knots. Runway 32 is favored with a 22-knot headwind and 8-knot crosswind component. Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is unrestricted. The ceiling is 2600 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 6°C (43°F) with a dewpoint of 3°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 9 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain. Winds are forecast to reach up to 22 knots during the period. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Light Showers Rain between 03:00Z and 12:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/24 | 3,881 ft | 151 ft | ASP | 58° |
↑ 4.8 kt
•
↔ 22.5 kt
78° angle
|
| 09/27 | 4,690 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 87° |
↓ 6.7 kt
•
↔ 22.0 kt
107° angle
|
|
✈️ 14/32
Active: 32
|
2,222 ft | 61 ft | ASP | 140° |
↑ 21.6 kt
•
↔ 7.9 kt
20° angle
|
Weather Statistics - EGPA
11,044 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Kirkwall Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 68.9% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 8.7% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 13.4 knots, with gusts recorded up to 42 knots. Temperatures typically range between -3°C and 17°C with an average of 7.2°C. The best months for VFR flying are March, September, May.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 11,044 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Kirkwall Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Kirkwall Airport
Overview
Kirkwall Airport serves the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, positioned at 58.957802, -2.905000 with an elevation of 50 ft MSL. As a medium-sized airport, it provides critical transportation infrastructure for this remote archipelago, supporting regional and commercial aviation operations.
Flying Conditions
Pilots can expect predominantly VFR conditions, with 66.1% of observations showing favorable visibility and weather. The airport experiences significant wind activity, with prevailing southerly winds averaging 13.4 knots and occasional gusts up to 42 knots. Temperature ranges from -3°C to 17°C, with an average of 8.1°C, suggesting potential winter operational considerations.
Notable Features
The airport features three asphalt runways with lengths ranging from 2,222 ft to 4,690 ft, providing multiple landing options. Its coastal location in the Orkney Islands introduces potential maritime weather influences, including rapid visibility changes and consistent wind patterns. All three runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, offering flexible operational capabilities.
Approach Considerations
Runway selection should consider the prevailing southerly winds, with minimal crosswind components. Runway 06/24 and 09/27 offer similar crosswind characteristics around 10.4 and 10.1 knots respectively, while runway 14/32 provides a slightly more benign crosswind environment at 7.2 knots. Pilots should anticipate excellent VFR conditions, particularly during September, November, and December.
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 EGPA
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.