Tuscaloosa National Airport

KTCL / TCL

Tuscaloosa, US

Last Updated
Apr 21, 15:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 9 hours ago
15:53Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
24°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 11°C
4 kt
230°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1027 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KTCL 211553Z 23004KT 10SM CLR 24/11 A3032 RMK AO2 SLP267 T02390106

Weather Briefing

VFR

Tuscaloosa National Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility. Note: This observation is 9.1 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the southwest (230°) at 4 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

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

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 24°C (75°F) with a dewpoint of 11°C, indicating relatively dry conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.

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
1027 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1021 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (170 ft)
Pressure Alt
-243 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 878 ft
ISA Deviation: +9.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KTCL 212320Z 2200/2224 00000KT P6SM OVC250 FM221900 19007KT P6SM FEW250
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
00:55Z BASE
+0h
VFR
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 25,000 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
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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
TCL
04
22 ✈️
11
29

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 04/22
Active: 22
6,499 ft 150 ft ASP 41°
3.9 kt 0.7 kt
10° angle
11/29 4,001 ft 100 ft ASP 117°
1.6 kt 3.7 kt
113° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KTCL

6,302 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
72.4%
MVFR
18.7%
IFR
6.4%
LIFR
2.5%

Tuscaloosa National Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 72.4% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 8.9% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 6.4 knots. Calm conditions occur 33.8% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -9°C to 35°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, April, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 6.4 kt
Maximum Recorded: 23 kt
Calm Winds: 33.8%
Direction Distribution:
N
13.5%
NE
6.5%
E
3.6%
SE
3.5%
S
18.3%
SW
5.7%
W
5%
NW
9.9%

Temperature Range

Average: 14.3°C
Range: -9°C to 35°C
-9°C 35°C

Visibility

Average: 8.6 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.2%
Fog Frequency: 3.6%

Best Months for VFR

September April October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 04/22
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4 kt
Runway 11/29
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.7 kt

Statistics computed from 6,302 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Tuscaloosa National Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KTCL
IATA Code: TCL
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 170 ft MSL

Location

City: Tuscaloosa
Country: US
Latitude: 33.220600°
Longitude: -87.611397°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 04/22
Length: 6,499 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 11/29
Length: 4,001 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Tuscaloosa National Airport

Overview

Tuscaloosa National Airport serves the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area in Alabama, providing critical aviation infrastructure for the region. Located at an elevation of 170 ft MSL, the airport supports medium-sized aircraft operations with two paved runways. Its strategic location and dual runway configuration offer flexibility for general aviation, training, and regional transportation needs.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at KTCL are predominantly favorable, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) prevailing 69.8% of the time. Northerly winds dominate, averaging 5.9 knots with calm conditions occurring 38.8% of observations. Temperature ranges from -7°C to 35°C, with September through November offering the most consistent VFR flying conditions and minimal meteorological interruptions.

Notable Features

The airport features two asphalt runways: Runway 04/22 at 6,499 feet and Runway 11/29 at 4,001 feet. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with minimal average crosswind velocities (3.6 and 4.3 knots respectively). The relatively low elevation and balanced wind characteristics make this airport accessible for various aircraft types and pilot experience levels.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect excellent wind conditions for approaches, with low crosswind components on both runways. Visibility averages 8.4 statute miles, with only 2.7% of observations showing reduced visibility below 3 miles. Fog occurs in 4.9% of observations, suggesting generally clear approach conditions but requiring standard low-visibility procedural awareness.

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.