Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
MVFRChicago Midway International Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with overcast skies at 12,000 feet and 4 SM visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the west-northwest (290°) at 21 knots with gusts to 39 knots. The significant gust spread of 18 knots may cause challenging turbulence on approach. Runway 31 is favored with a 20-knot headwind and 7-knot crosswind component (gusting to 13 knots crosswind). These are strong winds that may exceed crosswind limits for light aircraft.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 4 SM, below VFR minimums in some airspace classifications. Check local requirements before departing VFR. The ceiling is 5000 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums. Caution: cumulonimbus (thunderstorm) clouds reported at 5,000 ft AGL, indicating convective activity in the area.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 24°C (75°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, Thunderstorm Rain, Mist. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Thunderstorm Rain, Mist between 03:00Z and 04:00Z. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions with Thunderstorm Rain, Mist between 20:00Z and 00:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. Gusty conditions may exceed demonstrated crosswind components for many general aviation aircraft. Check your aircraft's limitations. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04L/22R | 5,507 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 43° |
↓ 8.2 kt
•
↔ 19.3 kt
113° angle
|
| 04R/22L | 6,446 ft | 150 ft | PEM | 43° |
↓ 8.2 kt
•
↔ 19.3 kt
113° angle
|
|
✈️ 13C/31C
Active: 31C
|
6,522 ft | 150 ft | CON | 134° |
↑ 19.7 kt
•
↔ 7.2 kt
20° angle
|
|
✈️ 13L/31R
Active: 31R
|
5,141 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 134° |
↑ 19.7 kt
•
↔ 7.2 kt
20° angle
|
|
✈️ 13R/31L
Active: 31L
|
3,859 ft | 60 ft | CON | 134° |
↑ 19.7 kt
•
↔ 7.2 kt
20° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KMDW
8,007 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Chicago Midway International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 73.4% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 8.2% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 9.6 knots, with gusts recorded up to 36 knots. Temperature extremes range from -23°C to 34°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are July, September, May.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 8,007 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Chicago Midway International Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
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About Chicago Midway International Airport
Overview
Chicago Midway International Airport serves as a major commercial airport located in Chicago, Illinois. Situated at an elevation of 620 feet MSL, it handles significant passenger and cargo traffic for the Chicago metropolitan area. The airport's strategic location and multiple runways make it a critical transportation hub in the Midwest region.
Flying Conditions
The airport's five runways provide operational flexibility across different wind conditions, with lengths ranging from 3,859 to 6,522 feet. Runway surfaces include asphalt (ASP), portland cement (PEM), and concrete (CON) compositions, which can influence landing and takeoff characteristics. Pilots should anticipate variable wind conditions typical of the Great Lakes region, particularly during seasonal transitions.
Notable Features
Midway features five runways with diverse orientations (04/22, 13/31), allowing for multiple approach and departure options based on wind direction. The airport's relatively modest elevation of 620 feet MSL provides consistent atmospheric conditions without significant altitude-related performance challenges. Its urban location means pilots must be prepared for complex airspace interactions and potential air traffic density.
Approach Considerations
Runway selection will depend primarily on prevailing wind conditions, with multiple options available due to the five-runway configuration. The longest runway (13C/31C at 6,522 feet) provides the most substantial landing and takeoff capabilities. Pilots should carefully review current wind data and air traffic instructions when planning approaches to this multi-runway airport.
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
Recommended guides based on current conditions at KMDW
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.