Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport

SBSL / SLZ

São Luís, BR

Last Updated
May 15, 08:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 53 min ago
08:00Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
26°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 24°C
2 kt
80°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR SBSL 150800Z 08002KT CAVOK 26/24 Q1013

Weather Briefing

VFR

Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east (80°) at 2 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 26°C (79°F) with a dewpoint of 24°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 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: Mist, Thunderstorm Rain. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Mist between 06:00Z and 10:00Z. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Thunderstorm Rain between 16:00Z and 22:00Z.

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 TAF
Raw TAF
TAF SBSL 150440Z 1506/1606 05005KT 9999 SCT020 TN24/1509Z TX30/1515Z TEMPO 1506/1510 29005KT 4000 BR BKN010 BECMG 1512/1515 02010KT BKN020 FEW025TCU TEMPO 1516/1522 4000 TSRA BKN015 FEW025CB BECMG 1522/1524 SCT025 BECMG 1603/1605 07005KT RMK PFV
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
08:53Z BASE
+0h
VFR 50° 5 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
12:00Z BECMG
+4h
MVFR 20° 10 kt
Ceiling: 2,000 ft
16:00Z TEMPO
+8h
IFR
Visibility: 4 km
Ceiling: 1,500 ft
Thunderstorm Rain

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
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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
BSL
06 ✈️
24
09 ✈️
27

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 06/24
Active: 06
7,828 ft 148 ft ASP 39°
1.9 kt 0.7 kt
20° angle
✈️ 09/27
Active: 09
4,803 ft 148 ft ASP 70°
2.0 kt 0.3 kt
10° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - SBSL

5,543 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
86.3%
MVFR
11.5%
IFR
1.6%
LIFR
0.5%

Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 86.3% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the E averaging 8.9 knots, with gusts recorded up to 94 knots. The climate is relatively stable with temperatures averaging 27.6°C (range: 20°C to 35°C). The best months for VFR flying are November, September, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: E (90°)
Average Speed: 8.9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 94 kt
Calm Winds: 0.8%
Direction Distribution:
N
4.5%
NE
33.7%
E
47.9%
SE
6.3%
S
3.6%
SW
0.9%
W
1.1%
NW
1.1%

Temperature Range

Average: 27.6°C
Range: 20°C to 35°C
20°C 35°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0.2%

Best Months for VFR

November September October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 06/24
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.1 kt
Runway 09/27
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.8 kt

Statistics computed from 5,543 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: SBSL
IATA Code: SLZ
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 178 ft MSL

Location

City: São Luís
Country: BR
Latitude: -2.585360°
Longitude: -44.234100°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+3

Runway Information

Runway 06/24
Length: 7,828 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 09/27
Length: 4,803 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport

Overview

Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport serves São Luís, Brazil, as a medium-sized international airport located at 2.585360°S, 44.234100°W. Situated at 178 feet above mean sea level, the airport provides essential air transportation infrastructure for the Maranhão state capital region. The airport features two asphalt runways capable of handling a variety of aircraft operations.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at SBSL are consistently favorable for aviation, with 93.8% of observations reporting VFR conditions. The airport experiences predominantly easterly winds averaging 10.9 knots, with temperatures ranging between 21°C and 34°C and maintaining an impressive average visibility of 10 statute miles. September through November represent the most stable flying months, offering optimal meteorological conditions for pilots.

Notable Features

The airport's dual runway configuration (06/24 and 09/27) provides operational flexibility with lengths of 7,828 and 4,803 feet respectively. Both runways demonstrate near-perfect wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind conditions and minimal average crosswind components of 3.5 to 4 knots. The consistent wind patterns and extensive runway lengths accommodate a wide range of aircraft types and operational requirements.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect predictable approach conditions given the airport's consistent wind patterns and excellent visibility. The predominant easterly wind suggests runway 06/24 and 09/27 will typically offer direct headwind approaches. With zero reported instances of low instrument meteorological conditions and no significant fog occurrences, visual approaches are standard for most operations at this airport.

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.