Rochester International Airport

KRST / RST

Rochester, US

Last Updated
Mar 4, 11:39Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 8 min ago
11:39Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
-3°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -3°C
4 kt
170°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1021 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

SPECI KRST 041139Z 17004KT 1/4SM R31/1400V2200FT FZFG VV001 M03/M03 A3014 RMK AO2 I1000 T10281028
QNH
1021 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
977 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,317 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,085 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: -759 ft
ISA Deviation: -15.4°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KRST 040842Z 0409/0506 VRB03KT 3/4SM BR OVC005 TEMPO 0409/0413 1/4SM FG FM041500 17005KT 3SM BR SCT005 FM041600 17007KT P6SM FEW250
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
11:47Z BASE
+0h
IFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: 3/4SM
Ceiling: 500 ft
Mist
15:00Z FM041500
+4h
MVFR 170° 5 kt
Visibility: 3SM
Mist
16:00Z FM041600
+5h
VFR 170° 7 kt
Visibility: >6SM

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
RST
02
20 ✈️
13
31

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 02/20
Active: 20
7,300 ft 150 ft CON 26°
3.5 kt 2.0 kt
30° angle
13/31 9,033 ft 150 ft CON 132°
3.2 kt 2.5 kt
38° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KRST

5,489 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
61.8%
MVFR
22.5%
IFR
10%
LIFR
5.7%

Rochester International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 61.8% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 15.7% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NW averaging 11.1 knots, with gusts recorded up to 34 knots. Temperature extremes range from -30°C to 31°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Low visibility conditions (below 3 SM) occur in 6.5% of weather observations. The best months for VFR flying are October, September, March.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NW (315°)
Average Speed: 11.1 kt
Maximum Recorded: 34 kt
Calm Winds: 2.2%
Direction Distribution:
N
8.5%
NE
3.3%
E
4.4%
SE
11%
S
21.9%
SW
7.7%
W
15%
NW
26.1%

Temperature Range

Average: -0.1°C
Range: -30°C to 31°C
-30°C 31°C

Visibility

Average: 8.3 SM
Below 3 SM: 6.5%
Fog Frequency: 6.8%

Best Months for VFR

October September March

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 02/20
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 7.9 kt
Runway 13/31
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5 kt

Statistics computed from 5,489 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Rochester International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KRST
IATA Code: RST
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,317 ft MSL

Location

City: Rochester
Country: US
Latitude: 43.908298°
Longitude: -92.500000°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 02/20
Length: 7,300 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No
Runway 13/31
Length: 9,033 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Rochester International Airport

Overview

Rochester International Airport serves southeastern Minnesota as a medium-sized airport situated at 1317 feet mean sea level. Located near Rochester, the airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for regional transportation and serves diverse aviation needs. Its strategic position and substantial runway infrastructure support multiple aircraft types and operational requirements.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Rochester demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions predominating at 58.8% of observations. Pilots should anticipate northwest winds averaging 11.1 knots, with temperature ranges extending from -30°C to 31°C. Reduced visibility occurs in approximately 7.7% of observations, with fog present in 8.6% of reports, suggesting potential instrument meteorological conditions.

Notable Features

The airport features two substantial concrete runways: Runway 02/20 measuring 7,300 feet and Runway 13/31 extending 9,033 feet. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with Runway 02/20 experiencing an average crosswind of 8 knots and Runway 13/31 experiencing a lower average crosswind of 4.9 knots. These characteristics provide pilots with flexible operational capabilities across different wind conditions.

Approach Considerations

Optimal visual flight conditions are most prevalent during autumn months, specifically October, September, and November. Wind patterns consistently favor northwest directions at 315 degrees, with calm conditions occurring in only 2.1% of observations. Pilots should prepare for potential instrument approaches, given that non-VFR conditions (MVFR, IFR, LIFR) collectively represent 41.2% of meteorological observations.

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.