Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

KDTW / DTW

Detroit, US

Last Updated
Mar 4, 09:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Aging 1 hour ago
09:53Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
-1°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -1°C
0 kt
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1025 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KDTW 040953Z 00000KT 1/16SM R03R/1200FT FZFG VV001 M01/M01 A3026 RMK AO2 SLP253 I1001 T10061011
QNH
1025 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1004 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (645 ft)
Pressure Alt
293 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: -1,472 ft
ISA Deviation: -14.7°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KDTW 040845Z 0409/0512 VRB03KT 1/4SM FG VV002 TEMPO 0409/0412 1/2SM FG VV002 FM041600 10005KT 4SM BR SCT005 BKN010 FM041800 13005KT P6SM SCT015 BKN250 FM050100 14005KT 4SM -DZ BR OVC010 FM050800 09005KT 1SM -DZ BR OVC005
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
10:54Z BASE
+0h
LIFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: 1/4SM
Ceiling: 200 ft
Fog
16:00Z FM041600
+6h
IFR 100° 5 kt
Visibility: 4SM
Ceiling: 1,000 ft
Mist
18:00Z FM041800
+8h
VFR 130° 5 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 25,000 ft

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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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
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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
DTW
03L
21R
03R
21L
04L
22R
04R
22L
09L
27R
09R
27L

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
03L/21R 8,501 ft 200 ft PEM 29°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
29° angle
03R/21L 10,001 ft 150 ft CON 29°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
29° angle
04L/22R 10,000 ft 150 ft CON 28°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
28° angle
04R/22L 12,003 ft 200 ft CON 29°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
29° angle
09L/27R 8,708 ft 200 ft PEM 89°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
89° angle
09R/27L 8,500 ft 150 ft CON 89°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
89° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KDTW

5,385 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
62.9%
MVFR
26%
IFR
7.9%
LIFR
3.1%

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 62.9% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 11% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 9.1 knots, with gusts recorded up to 168 knots. Temperature extremes range from -23°C to 31°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 9.1 kt
Maximum Recorded: 168 kt
Calm Winds: 9.1%
Direction Distribution:
N
8.5%
NE
6.8%
E
6.3%
SE
4.2%
S
16.1%
SW
20%
W
18.3%
NW
10.7%

Temperature Range

Average: 2.1°C
Range: -23°C to 31°C
-23°C 31°C

Visibility

Average: 8.2 SM
Below 3 SM: 5%
Fog Frequency: 5.2%

Best Months for VFR

September October November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 03L/21R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.3 kt
Runway 03R/21L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.3 kt
Runway 04L/22R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5 kt
Runway 04R/22L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5 kt
Runway 09L/27R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.6 kt
Runway 09R/27L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.6 kt

Statistics computed from 5,385 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KDTW
IATA Code: DTW
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 645 ft MSL

Location

City: Detroit
Country: US
Latitude: 42.213770°
Longitude: -83.353786°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 03L/21R
Length: 8,501 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: PEM
ILS: No
Runway 03R/21L
Length: 10,001 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No
Runway 04L/22R
Length: 10,000 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No
Runway 04R/22L
Length: 12,003 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No
Runway 09L/27R
Length: 8,708 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: PEM
ILS: No
Runway 09R/27L
Length: 8,500 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Overview

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (KDTW) serves as a major international airport located in the Detroit metropolitan area. Situated at 645 feet above mean sea level with coordinates 42.213770, -83.353786, the airport is a critical transportation hub for southeastern Michigan. Its six runways accommodate significant commercial, cargo, and general aviation traffic.

Flying Conditions

The airport's six runways of varying lengths (ranging from 8500 to 12003 feet) provide multiple options for different aircraft types and weather conditions. Being located in the Great Lakes region, pilots should anticipate variable weather patterns with potential rapid changes, particularly during transitional seasons. Elevation at 645 feet MSL suggests moderate terrain considerations for approach and departure planning.

Notable Features

The airport features six runways with different surface compositions: three are Portland Cement (PEM) and three are Concrete (CON). Runway lengths vary significantly, with the longest runway measuring 12,003 feet (04R/22L) and the shortest at 8,500 feet (09R/27L). The multiple runway configurations offer flexibility for different wind directions and aircraft types.

Approach Considerations

Runway orientation ranges from 03/21 to 09/27, providing multiple approach options depending on prevailing wind conditions. The substantial runway lengths (multiple runways over 10,000 feet) accommodate large commercial aircraft and provide generous landing/takeoff margins. Pilots should carefully review current wind and surface conditions to select the most appropriate runway for their specific aircraft and operational 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.

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.