Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
LIFRSydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport is currently reporting low IFR (LIFR) conditions with overcast skies at 300 feet.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the northeast (50°) at 19 knots with gusts to 33 knots. Runway 06/24 is favored with a 19-knot headwind and 3-knot crosswind component (gusting to 6 knots crosswind). Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.
Visibility & Ceiling
The ceiling is very low at 300 feet AGL (overcast), well below circling minimums at most airports.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 5°C (41°F) with a dewpoint of 5°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 12 hours. IFR conditions are expected to persist or develop. An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are recommended. Expected weather includes: Rain, Mist, Light Rain, Light Drizzle, Mist, Light Drizzle, Mist, FCST. Winds are forecast to reach up to 22 knots during the period. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light Rain between 12:00Z and 16:00Z. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light Drizzle, Mist, FCST between 16:00Z and 00:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
Current conditions require an instrument rating, IFR-equipped aircraft, and an IFR clearance. Check approach minimums carefully as conditions may be below CAT I ILS minimums. Gusty conditions may exceed demonstrated crosswind components for many general aviation aircraft. Check your aircraft's limitations. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
View Full TAF24-Hour Weather Evolution
- • Current conditions from METAR observations
- • Historical data from past 24 hours
- • No forecast or predicted data included
- • Data updated with each new METAR report
- • Hover for exact values and timestamps
- • Click legend items to toggle data series
- • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
- • Units automatically converted to preferences
Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 06/24
Active: 06
|
7,070 ft | 200 ft | ASP | 46° |
↑ 18.7 kt
•
↔ 3.3 kt
10° angle
|
| 18/36 | 5,997 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 164° |
↓ 7.7 kt
•
↔ 17.4 kt
114° angle
|
Weather Statistics - CYQY
7,327 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Sydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 48.9% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 27.9% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 11.7 knots, with gusts recorded up to 37 knots. Temperature extremes range from -17°C to 27°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Low visibility conditions (below 3 SM) occur in 8% of weather observations. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, November.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 7,327 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Sydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
About Sydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport
Overview
Sydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport serves Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, offering a medium-sized airport facility for regional and general aviation operations. Located at an elevation of 203 feet MSL, the airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for the Sydney metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Its two asphalt runways support diverse aircraft operations in a maritime environment.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at CYQY demonstrate significant variability, with visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailing 53.3% of the time. Pilots can expect westerly winds averaging 11.4 knots, with occasional strong gusts up to 37 knots. The temperature range spans from -13°C to 27°C, creating potential for significant seasonal weather transitions that require careful preflight planning and awareness.
Notable Features
The airport features two perpendicular runways: 06/24 at 7,070 feet and 18/36 at 5,997 feet, both constructed with asphalt surfaces. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with modest average crosswind components of 6.8 and 7.6 knots respectively. The coastal location suggests potential for maritime weather influences and rapid visibility changes.
Approach Considerations
September through November represent the most consistent VFR months for operations at CYQY. Visibility averages 12.2 statute miles, though pilots should be prepared for occasional reduced conditions, with 5.7% of observations showing visibility below 3 statute miles. Fog occurs in 1.9% of observations, requiring heightened situational awareness during approach and landing phases.
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.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at CYQY
Official Data Sources
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.