Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
LIFRSumburgh Airport is currently reporting low IFR (LIFR) conditions with broken clouds at 200 feet and 3 km visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south (170°) at 7 knots. Runway 15/33 is favored with a 7-knot headwind and 2-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is reduced to 3 km. IFR conditions prevail and an instrument clearance is required for operations in controlled airspace. The ceiling is very low at 200 feet AGL (broken), well below circling minimums at most airports.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 12°C (54°F) with a dewpoint of 11°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 9 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 RADZ, RADZ. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light RADZ between 09:00Z and 14:00Z. There is a 40% probability of LIFR conditions with RADZ between 09:00Z and 14:00Z. There is a 40% probability of MVFR conditions between 14:00Z and 18:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
Current conditions require an instrument rating, IFR-equipped aircraft, and an IFR clearance. Check approach minimums carefully as conditions may be below CAT I ILS minimums. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06H/24H | 1,781 ft | 144 ft | ASP | 53° |
↓ 3.2 kt
•
↔ 6.2 kt
117° angle
|
| 09/27 | 4,915 ft | 144 ft | ASP | 84° |
↑ 0.5 kt
•
↔ 7.0 kt
86° angle
|
|
✈️ 15/33
Active: 15
|
4,672 ft | 141 ft | ASP | 144° |
↑ 6.6 kt
•
↔ 2.4 kt
20° angle
|
Weather Statistics - EGPB
18,176 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Sumburgh Airport is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 55.6% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 17.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 15.2 knots, with gusts recorded up to 46 knots. Temperatures typically range between -3°C and 16°C with an average of 7.8°C. The best months for VFR flying are September, March, November.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 18,176 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Sumburgh Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Sumburgh Airport
Overview
Sumburgh Airport serves the Shetland Islands, located at the southernmost tip of the archipelago near Lerwick. As a medium-sized airport with three runways, it plays a critical role in connecting the remote Shetland region with mainland United Kingdom and supporting local aviation needs.
Flying Conditions
Pilots can expect highly variable weather conditions, with visual flight rules (VFR) conditions present 55.2% of the time and marginal VFR conditions occurring 28.7% of observations. The prevailing southerly winds average 15.7 knots, with occasional strong gusts up to 43 knots, and temperatures ranging from -3°C to 16°C with an average of 8.3°C.
Notable Features
The airport's three runways offer multiple landing options with consistent wind coverage, each providing 100% favorable wind conditions. Located at a low elevation of 20 feet MSL, Sumburgh Airport sits in an exposed coastal environment typical of the Shetland Islands, which can produce challenging wind and visibility conditions.
Approach Considerations
All three runways demonstrate similar crosswind characteristics, with average crosswind components between 8.8 and 11.4 knots. The extended runway 09/27 at 4,915 feet provides the longest landing surface, which may be preferable during higher wind conditions or for larger aircraft operations.
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 EGPB
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.