Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
MVFROttawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with overcast skies at 1,600 feet and 10 SM visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south-southwest (210°) at 8 knots. Runway 22 is favored with a 8-knot headwind and 1-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 10 SM. The ceiling is 1000 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 23°C (73°F) with a dewpoint of 22°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 27 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: Light Showers Rain, Mist, Light Showers Rain, Mist, Thunderstorm Rain, Mist, FCST. Temporary VFR conditions are forecast between 21:00Z and 02:00Z. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions with Mist between 00:00Z and 02:00Z. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast between 02:00Z and 06:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. 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.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 04/22
Active: 22
|
3,300 ft | 75 ft | ASP | 26° |
↑ 7.9 kt
•
↔ 1.4 kt
10° angle
|
| 07/25 | 8,000 ft | 200 ft | ASP | 57° |
↓ 7.1 kt
•
↔ 3.6 kt
153° angle
|
| 14/32 | 10,000 ft | 200 ft | ASP | 126° |
↑ 0.8 kt
•
↔ 8.0 kt
84° angle
|
Weather Statistics - CYOW
7,828 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 66.6% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 14.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 8.8 knots, with gusts recorded up to 31 knots. Temperature extremes range from -27°C to 30°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Low visibility conditions (below 3 SM) occur in 5.7% of weather observations. The best months for VFR flying are May, September, June.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 7,828 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Overview
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport serves as the primary airport for Canada's capital city, located in eastern Ontario. Situated at an elevation of 374 feet above mean sea level, the airport provides critical transportation infrastructure for government, commercial, and regional aviation operations in the National Capital Region.
Flying Conditions
The airport's three runways offer comprehensive wind coverage, with lengths ranging from 3,300 to 10,000 feet. The multiple runway configurations (04/22, 07/25, and 14/32) all feature asphalt surfaces, providing pilots with flexible operational capabilities across different wind conditions and aircraft types.
Notable Features
Located at coordinates 45.322498, -75.669197, the airport is positioned in a relatively flat urban terrain typical of the Ottawa region. The substantial 10,000-foot runway (14/32) provides excellent operational capacity for larger commercial and cargo aircraft, while the shorter runways offer additional flexibility for smaller aircraft.
Approach Considerations
Pilots should note the significant variation in runway lengths, with the longest runway (14/32) offering 10,000 feet of asphalt surface. The multiple runway orientations provide options for handling various wind directions, with the 07/25 and 14/32 runways offering particularly robust length for most commercial and business aviation 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.
Learn More
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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.