Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

KDTW / DTW

Detroit, US

Last Updated
Jul 27, 12:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 14 min ago
12:53Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
24°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 21°C
9 kt
240°
7 SM
Visibility
4,500 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1012 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KDTW 271253Z 24009KT 7SM SCT035 OVC045 24/21 A2987 RMK AO2 SLP107 T02440211

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 645 ft
SCT 3,500 ft AGL
OVC 4,500 ft AGL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
3,500 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,145 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
4,500 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
5,145 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with overcast skies at 4,500 feet and 7 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the west-southwest (240°) at 9 knots. Runway 22 is favored with a 8-knot headwind and 3-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 7 SM. The ceiling is 4500 feet AGL (overcast), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 24°C (75°F) with a dewpoint of 21°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Thunderstorm Rain, Light Showers Rain. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Light Thunderstorm Rain between 18:00Z and 22:00Z. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Light Showers Rain between 03:00Z and 07:00Z.

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.

QNH
1012 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
991 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (645 ft)
Pressure Alt
683 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,918 ft
ISA Deviation: +10.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KDTW 271120Z 2712/2818 24004KT P6SM SCT150 BKN250 FM271600 23010KT P6SM BKN060 BKN250 PROB30 2718/2722 4SM -TSRA OVC030CB FM280100 22005KT P6SM SCT045 BKN120 OVC250 PROB30 2803/2807 4SM -SHRA FM280900 33007KT P6SM BKN015 OVC025
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
13:06Z BASE
+0h
VFR 240° 4 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 25,000 ft
16:00Z FM271600
+3h
VFR 230° 10 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 6,000 ft
18:00Z PROB30
+5h
MVFR
Visibility: 4SM
Ceiling: 3,000 ft
Light Thunderstorm Rain
01:00Z FM280100
+12h
VFR 220° 5 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 12,000 ft

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
  • • Hover for exact values and timestamps
  • • Click legend items to toggle data series
  • • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
  • • Units automatically converted to preferences
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°
7.7 kt 4.6 kt
149° angle
03R/21L 10,001 ft 150 ft CON 29°
7.7 kt 4.6 kt
149° angle
04L/22R 10,000 ft 150 ft CON 28°
7.6 kt 4.8 kt
148° angle
04R/22L 12,003 ft 200 ft CON 29°
7.7 kt 4.6 kt
149° angle
✈️ 09L/27R
Active: 27R
8,708 ft 200 ft PEM 89°
7.8 kt 4.5 kt
30° angle
✈️ 09R/27L
Active: 27L
8,500 ft 150 ft CON 89°
7.8 kt 4.5 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KDTW

9,543 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
67.9%
MVFR
21.7%
IFR
7.2%
LIFR
3.1%

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 67.9% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 10.3% 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 36°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are June, September, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 9.1 kt
Maximum Recorded: 168 kt
Calm Winds: 8.6%
Direction Distribution:
E
7.7%
N
9%
S
17.1%
W
16.6%
NE
7.7%
NW
9.8%
SE
4.9%
SW
18.7%

Temperature Range

Average: 7.7°C
Range: -23°C to 36°C
-23°C 36°C

Visibility

Average: 8.5 SM
Below 3 SM: 4.2%
Fog Frequency: 3.9%

Best Months for VFR

June September October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 03L/21R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.1 kt
Runway 03R/21L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.1 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: 5.7 kt
Runway 09R/27L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.7 kt

Statistics computed from 9,543 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 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.