Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
IFRHickory Regional Airport is currently reporting instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with overcast skies at 7,000 feet and 2.106 km visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the west-northwest (290°) at 12 knots with gusts to 26 knots. Runway 24 is favored with a 8-knot headwind and 9-knot crosswind component (gusting to 20 knots crosswind). Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is reduced to 2.106 km. IFR conditions prevail and an instrument clearance is required for operations in controlled airspace. The ceiling is 4300 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 26°C (79°F) with a dewpoint of 21°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Thunderstorm Rain, Mist, Mist, Fog. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Thunderstorm Rain, Mist between 18:00Z and 00:00Z. Temporary LIFR conditions are forecast with Fog between 08:00Z and 12:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are required. Verify that destination and alternate approach minimums are above current and forecast conditions. 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.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/19 | 4,400 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 8° |
↑ 2.5 kt
•
↔ 11.7 kt
78° angle
|
|
✈️ 06/24
Active: 24
|
6,400 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 55° |
↑ 7.7 kt
•
↔ 9.2 kt
50° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KHKY
7,718 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Hickory Regional Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 76.5% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 13.7% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 6.1 knots. Calm conditions occur 32.8% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -12°C to 33°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are October, April, November.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 7,718 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Hickory Regional Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Hickory Regional Airport
Overview
Hickory Regional Airport serves the greater Hickory metropolitan area in western North Carolina, providing critical aviation infrastructure for the region. As a medium-sized airport situated at an elevation of 1,190 feet MSL, the airport supports various general aviation, commercial, and potential charter operations. Its strategic location and dual runway configuration offer flexibility for different aircraft types and operational requirements.
Flying Conditions
The airport experiences predominantly VFR conditions, with 75.6% of observations indicating favorable visual flight rules. Temperature ranges from -10°C to 31°C create diverse flying environments throughout the year, with October, November, and January typically offering the most stable VFR conditions. Wind patterns are predominantly northwest at an average of 5.8 knots, with calm conditions occurring 37.4% of the time and maximum gusts reaching 20 knots.
Notable Features
Hickory Regional Airport features two asphalt runways with substantial length variations: Runway 01/19 at 4,400 feet and Runway 06/24 at 6,400 feet. Both runways demonstrate excellent wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind coverage and minimal average crosswind components of 3.4 and 3.5 knots respectively. The airport's moderate elevation and geographical positioning suggest potential terrain interactions that pilots should consider during planning.
Approach Considerations
Pilots can expect consistent wind conditions that generally support both runways without significant crosswind challenges. Visibility averages 8.9 statute miles, with only 4.8% of observations showing conditions below 3 statute miles and 7% experiencing fog. When planning approaches, consider the prevailing northwest winds and be prepared for potential reduced visibility during the 8.2% of IFR and 6.9% of LIFR conditions observed in historical data.
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.
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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.