Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFRChicago Rockford International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with few clouds at 2,000 feet and 10 SM visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south-southwest (200°) at 17 knots with gusts to 25 knots. Runway 19 is favored with a 17-knot headwind and 3-knot crosswind component (gusting to 4 knots crosswind). Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 10 SM. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 2,000 ft, few at 25,000 ft.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 28°C (82°F) with a dewpoint of 23°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 24 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: Heavy Thunderstorm Rain, Mist, Light Showers Rain, Thunderstorm Rain, Mist. Winds are forecast to reach up to 35 knots during the period. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 8 to 35 knots. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Heavy Thunderstorm Rain, Mist between 19:00Z and 22:00Z. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions with Thunderstorm Rain, Mist between 23:00Z and 03:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
Conditions are favorable for visual flight. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 01/19
Active: 19
|
8,199 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 5° |
↑ 16.7 kt
•
↔ 3.0 kt
10° angle
|
| 07/25 | 10,004 ft | 150 ft | PEM | 65° |
↓ 12.0 kt
•
↔ 12.0 kt
135° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KRFD
11,261 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Chicago Rockford International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 70.8% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 11% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 9 knots, with gusts recorded up to 31 knots. Calm conditions occur 13.7% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -26°C to 32°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are May, October, September.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 11,261 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Chicago Rockford International Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Chicago Rockford International Airport
Overview
Chicago Rockford International Airport serves the greater Chicago metropolitan area, located approximately 85 miles northwest of Chicago proper. As a medium-sized airport with two substantial runways, KRFD supports diverse aviation operations including cargo, general aviation, and commercial traffic. The airport's elevation of 742 feet MSL provides consistent terrain characteristics for pilots.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at KRFD demonstrate significant variability, with visual flight rules (VFR) predominating at 64.7% of observations. Pilots should anticipate moderate wind conditions, with a prevailing westerly wind at an average of 8.9 knots and occasional gusts up to 29 knots. Temperature ranges from -26°C to 32°C indicate potential challenging winter and summer flying conditions, with October, September, and November offering the most consistently favorable VFR weather.
Notable Features
Both primary runways (01/19 and 07/25) offer extensive lengths of 8,199 and 10,004 feet respectively, providing ample landing and takeoff options for various aircraft types. The runways feature asphaltic (ASP) and Portland Expanded Mesh (PEM) surfaces, with consistently favorable wind alignments—both runways demonstrate 100% wind compatibility. Visibility averages 8.8 statute miles, with only 5.3% of observations reporting visibility below 3 miles.
Approach Considerations
Wind conditions suggest minimal crosswind challenges, with average crosswind components of 6.3 knots for runway 01/19 and 5.7 knots for runway 07/25. Pilots should be prepared for potential instrument meteorological conditions, as IFR and LIFR conditions combine for approximately 14.3% of observations. Calm wind conditions occur in 15.2% of reports, providing additional flexibility in runway selection.
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 KRFD
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.