Mason City Municipal Airport

KMCW / MCW

Mason City, US

Last Updated
Mar 4, 08:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 28 min ago
08:53Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
-4°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -4°C
7 kt
350°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1022 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KMCW 040853Z AUTO 35007KT 1/4SM FZFG VV001 M04/M04 A3017 RMK AO2 SLP222 I1001 I3001 T10391039 56012
QNH
1022 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
982 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,213 ft)
Pressure Alt
951 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: -1,038 ft
ISA Deviation: -16.6°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KMCW 040520Z 0406/0506 VRB04KT 1/4SM FZFG BKN002 FM041300 00000KT 1SM BR BKN003 FM041600 VRB03KT P6SM BKN016
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
09:20Z BASE
+0h
LIFR VRB 4 kt
Visibility: 1/4SM
Ceiling: 200 ft
Freezing Fog
13:00Z FM041300
+4h
LIFR
Visibility: 1SM
Ceiling: 300 ft
Mist
16:00Z FM041600
+7h
MVFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 1,600 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
MCW
12
30
18
36 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
12/30 5,502 ft 150 ft ASP 124°
4.9 kt 5.0 kt
134° angle
✈️ 18/36
Active: 36
6,501 ft 150 ft ASP 179°
6.9 kt 1.2 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 - KMCW

5,354 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
66.6%
MVFR
20.6%
IFR
7.6%
LIFR
5.2%

Mason City Municipal Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 66.6% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 12.8% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NW averaging 11.1 knots, with gusts recorded up to 36 knots. Temperature extremes range from -28°C to 33°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are October, September, February.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NW (315°)
Average Speed: 11.1 kt
Maximum Recorded: 36 kt
Calm Winds: 6.7%
Direction Distribution:
N
8.4%
NE
3.4%
E
5.5%
SE
11.9%
S
17.8%
SW
6.5%
W
12%
NW
27.9%

Temperature Range

Average: 0.6°C
Range: -28°C to 33°C
-28°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 8.9 SM
Below 3 SM: 5%
Fog Frequency: 7.1%

Best Months for VFR

October September February

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 12/30
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.1 kt
Runway 18/36
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 7 kt

Statistics computed from 5,354 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Mason City Municipal Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KMCW
IATA Code: MCW
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,213 ft MSL

Location

City: Mason City
Country: US
Latitude: 43.159801°
Longitude: -93.329716°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 12/30
Length: 5,502 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 18/36
Length: 6,501 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Mason City Municipal Airport

Overview

Mason City Municipal Airport serves the north-central Iowa region, positioned strategically in Cerro Gordo County. Located at 43.159801, -93.329716 with an elevation of 1,213 feet MSL, this medium-sized airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for the Mason City metropolitan area and surrounding communities.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly VFR conditions, with 64.3% of observations presenting clear flying weather. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, ranging from -28°C to 33°C, with an average of 2.1°C. Wind patterns are predominantly northwest at 315°, averaging 11.2 knots with occasional gusts up to 36 knots, and calm conditions occurring 7.2% of the time.

Notable Features

The airport features two asphalt runways: Runway 12/30 measuring 5,502 feet and Runway 18/36 extending 6,501 feet. Both runways demonstrate excellent wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind coverage. Crosswind components are moderate, averaging 4.9 knots on 12/30 and 7.2 knots on 18/36, providing consistent operational flexibility.

Approach Considerations

September through November represent the most consistent VFR months, offering optimal flying conditions. Visibility averages 8.7 statute miles, with only 6% of observations showing conditions below 3 miles. Pilots should be prepared for occasional fog (8.8% of observations) and plan approaches accordingly, leveraging the airport's well-aligned runways.

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.