Purdue University Airport

KLAF / LAF

West Lafayette, US

Last Updated
Jul 4, 18:54Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 55 min ago
18:54Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
31°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 22°C
3 kt
Variable
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1015 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KLAF 041854Z VRB03KT 10SM CLR 31/22 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP143 T03060222

Weather Briefing

VFR

Purdue University Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the variable directions at 3 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

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

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 31°C (88°F) with a dewpoint of 22°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions. High temperatures at this elevation may result in significant density altitude effects. Pilots should calculate density altitude and adjust performance expectations accordingly.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 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 Thunderstorm Rain, Mist. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light Thunderstorm Rain between 21:00Z and 01:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. 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
995 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (606 ft)
Pressure Alt
554 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 2,619 ft (High - Reduced Performance)
ISA Deviation: +17.2°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KLAF 041724Z 0418/0518 23006KT P6SM SCT035 BKN250 TEMPO 0421/0501 2SM -TSRA OVC035CB FM050100 VRB04KT P6SM SCT050 BKN100 FM050700 VRB03KT 4SM BR SCT010 OVC035 FM051300 34006KT P6SM SCT020 BKN035
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
19:48Z BASE
+0h
VFR 230° 6 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 25,000 ft
21:00Z TEMPO
+2h
IFR
Visibility: 2SM
Ceiling: 3,500 ft
Light Thunderstorm Rain
01:00Z FM050100
+6h
VFR VRB 4 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 10,000 ft
07:00Z FM050700
+12h
MVFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: 4SM
Ceiling: 3,500 ft
Mist

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
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  • • 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
LAF
05
23
10
28

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
05/23 4,226 ft 100 ft ASP 47° No wind data
10/28 6,600 ft 150 ft ASP 100° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KLAF

8,785 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
68.2%
MVFR
21.5%
IFR
7.9%
LIFR
2.5%

Purdue University Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 68.2% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 10.4% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 8 knots, with gusts recorded up to 32 knots. Calm conditions occur 19% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -23°C to 33°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are July, October, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 8 kt
Maximum Recorded: 32 kt
Calm Winds: 19%
Direction Distribution:
E
11.1%
N
8%
S
9.6%
W
19.8%
NE
6.5%
NW
7.6%
SE
4.2%
SW
14.3%

Temperature Range

Average: 9.2°C
Range: -23°C to 33°C
-23°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 9 SM
Below 3 SM: 3.3%
Fog Frequency: 2.6%

Best Months for VFR

July October September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05/23
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.7 kt
Runway 10/28
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.4 kt

Statistics computed from 8,785 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Purdue University Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KLAF
IATA Code: LAF
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 606 ft MSL

Location

City: West Lafayette
Country: US
Latitude: 40.412875°
Longitude: -86.939363°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 05/23
Length: 4,226 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 10/28
Length: 6,600 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Purdue University Airport

Overview

Purdue University Airport serves the Lafayette, Indiana region as a medium-sized airport associated with Purdue University. Located at 40.412875, -86.939363 with an elevation of 606 feet MSL, the airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for academic, training, and general aviation purposes. The airport features two asphalt runways capable of supporting a variety of aircraft operations.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at KLAF demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) predominating at 64.4% of observations. Pilots can expect westerly winds averaging 7.9 knots, with occasional stronger gusts up to 28 knots. Temperature ranges from -22°C to 31°C, indicating potential challenging winter and summer conditions that require appropriate preflight planning and aircraft preparation.

Notable Features

Both runways offer favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and minimal average crosswind components. Runway 05/23 measures 4,226 feet, while Runway 10/28 provides a longer 6,600-foot surface, offering flexibility for different aircraft types and operational requirements. Visibility typically remains excellent, averaging 8.9 statute miles with only 3% of observations showing reduced visibility.

Approach Considerations

Seasonal considerations suggest September, October, and January offer the most consistent VFR conditions for pilots. With calm wind conditions present 21% of the time, pilots should be prepared for potential wind variability. The airport's two runway configuration allows for optimal wind-aligned approaches, with Runway 10/28 providing the longest surface for more demanding aircraft operations.

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.