Williston Basin International Airport

KXWA / XWA

Williston, US

Last Updated
Mar 4, 10:51Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Aging 1 hour ago
10:51Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
3°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -4°C
8 kt
210°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1009 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KXWA 041051Z AUTO 21008KT 10SM CLR 03/M04 A2981 RMK AO2 SLP118 T00281039
QNH
1009 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
931 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (2,344 ft)
Pressure Alt
2,472 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,595 ft
ISA Deviation: -7.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KXWA 041126Z 0412/0512 24008KT P6SM BKN200 FM041800 03009KT P6SM BKN200 FM042100 08015G23KT P6SM BKN200
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
11:53Z BASE
+0h
VFR 240° 8 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 20,000 ft
18:00Z FM041800
+7h
VFR 30° 9 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 20,000 ft
21:00Z FM042100
+10h
VFR 80° 15 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 20,000 ft

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
XWA
14 ✈️
32

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 14/32
Active: 14
7,501 ft 150 ft CON 148°
2.7 kt 7.5 kt
70° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KXWA

5,456 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
66.1%
MVFR
17.2%
IFR
8.8%
LIFR
7.9%

Williston Basin International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 66.1% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 16.7% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NW averaging 11.5 knots, with gusts recorded up to 47 knots. Temperature extremes range from -34°C to 30°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Low visibility conditions (below 3 SM) occur in 5.6% of weather observations. The best months for VFR flying are March, October, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NW (315°)
Average Speed: 11.5 kt
Maximum Recorded: 47 kt
Calm Winds: 3%
Direction Distribution:
N
14.6%
NE
7.3%
E
9.8%
SE
8.4%
S
15.2%
SW
9.4%
W
14.9%
NW
17.4%

Temperature Range

Average: -2.4°C
Range: -34°C to 30°C
-34°C 30°C

Visibility

Average: 8.7 SM
Below 3 SM: 5.6%
Fog Frequency: 6.3%

Best Months for VFR

March October September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 14/32
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 6 kt

Statistics computed from 5,456 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Williston Basin International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KXWA
IATA Code: XWA
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 2,344 ft MSL

Location

City: Williston
Country: US
Latitude: 48.258387°
Longitude: -103.748797°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+7

Runway Information

Runway 14/32
Length: 7,501 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Williston Basin International Airport

Overview

Williston Basin International Airport serves the energy-rich region of western North Dakota, located in Williston at an elevation of 2,344 feet MSL. The airport supports regional commercial, cargo, and general aviation operations in an area significantly impacted by oil and gas industry transportation needs. Its international designation reflects the airport's strategic importance to the region's transportation infrastructure.

Flying Conditions

Weather at Williston Basin demonstrates significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions predominating at 65.6% of observations. Winter conditions are challenging, with temperatures ranging from -34°C to 30°C and an average of -1.3°C. Pilots should anticipate northwest winds averaging 11.7 knots, with occasional gusts up to 47 knots and calm periods accounting for 3.2% of observations.

Notable Features

The airport features a single concrete runway (14/32) extending 7,501 feet, capable of supporting a wide range of aircraft operations. The prevailing northwest wind direction provides consistent runway alignment, with wind favorable to runway orientation 100% of the time. Visibility averages 8.6 statute miles, with reduced visibility (below 3SM) occurring in 6.1% of observations and fog present in 7% of reports.

Approach Considerations

September through November offer the most consistently favorable flying conditions, with optimal Visual Flight Rules (VFR) weather. The runway experiences an average crosswind of 6.1 knots, which pilots should factor into their approach and landing calculations. Instrument meteorological conditions (IFR and LIFR) combine for approximately 18.1% of observations, indicating the potential need for alternate planning during certain periods.

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.