Bowman Field

KLOU / LOU

Louisville, US

Last Updated
Apr 21, 17:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 5 min ago
17:53Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
24°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 6°C
11 kt
210° G20 kt
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1021 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KLOU 211753Z 21011G20KT 10SM CLR 24/06 A3015 RMK AO2 PK WND 23026/1708 SLP208 T02390056 10239 20078 58027

Weather Briefing

VFR

Bowman Field is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the south-southwest (210°) at 11 knots with gusts to 20 knots. Runway 24 is favored with a 10-knot headwind and 6-knot crosswind component (gusting to 10 knots crosswind).

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 24°C (75°F) with a dewpoint of 6°C, indicating very dry conditions.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1021 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1003 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (546 ft)
Pressure Alt
314 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,525 ft
ISA Deviation: +10.1°C

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
LOU
06
24 ✈️
15
33

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 06/24
Active: 24
4,357 ft 75 ft ASP 60°
9.5 kt 5.5 kt
30° angle
15/33 3,579 ft 75 ft ASPH-G 143°
4.3 kt 10.1 kt
67° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KLOU

6,334 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
69.1%
MVFR
21.3%
IFR
7.2%
LIFR
2.4%

Bowman Field typically experiences VFR conditions 69.1% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 9.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 7.4 knots. Calm conditions occur 20.6% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -17°C to 33°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are April, September, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 7.4 kt
Maximum Recorded: 28 kt
Calm Winds: 20.6%
Direction Distribution:
N
9.1%
NE
6.5%
E
5.4%
SE
5.8%
S
19.1%
SW
12.9%
W
13.3%
NW
7.3%

Temperature Range

Average: 9.1°C
Range: -17°C to 33°C
-17°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 9 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.4%
Fog Frequency: 2.3%

Best Months for VFR

April September October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 06/24
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.6 kt
Runway 15/33
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5 kt

Statistics computed from 6,334 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Bowman Field - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KLOU
IATA Code: LOU
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 546 ft MSL

Location

City: Louisville
Country: US
Latitude: 38.228001°
Longitude: -85.663696°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 06/24
Length: 4,357 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 15/33
Length: 3,579 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASPH-G
ILS: No

About Bowman Field

Overview

Bowman Field serves the Louisville metropolitan area as a medium-sized airport situated at 546 feet mean sea level. Located at coordinates 38.228001, -85.663696, the airport provides critical general aviation infrastructure for the region. Its two asphalt runways support diverse aviation operations in central Kentucky.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly favorable VFR conditions at Bowman Field, with 65.1% of observations reporting visual flight rules. Seasonal temperature ranges from -15°C to 33°C create varied operating environments. Wind patterns are typically southerly at an average of 7 knots, with calm conditions present 25% of the time and maximum gusts reaching 26 knots.

Notable Features

The airport features two intersecting runways: Runway 06/24 measuring 4,357 feet and Runway 15/33 measuring 3,579 feet. Both runways demonstrate consistent wind favorability, with 100% favorable wind conditions and modest average crosswind components of 4.2 and 4.8 knots respectively. The airport's moderate elevation and geographical location contribute to relatively stable flying conditions.

Approach Considerations

September, October, and January represent the most consistent VFR months with optimal flying conditions. Visibility averages 8.9 statute miles, with minimal instances of restricted visibility (below 3SM occurring in only 2.2% of observations). Pilots should anticipate occasional fog, which is present in 1.9% 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.