MBS International Airport

KMBS / MBS

Freeland, US

Last Updated
Apr 21, 18:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 8 min ago
18:53Z

🌇 Dusk
VFR
Flight Rules
16°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 5°C
11 kt
220° G17 kt
10 SM
Visibility
11,000 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1012 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KMBS 211853Z 22011G17KT 10SM OVC110 16/05 A2989 RMK AO2 RAB1758E13 SLP124 P0000 T01610050

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 668 ft
OVC 11,000 ft AGL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
11,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
11,668 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

MBS International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with overcast skies at 11,000 feet and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the southwest (220°) at 11 knots with gusts to 17 knots. Runway 23 is favored with a 11-knot headwind and 2-knot crosswind component (gusting to 3 knots crosswind).

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. The ceiling is 11000 feet AGL (overcast), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 16°C (61°F) with a dewpoint of 5°C, indicating relatively dry conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain, Mist. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Light Showers Rain between 19:00Z and 23:00Z.

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.

QNH
1012 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
990 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (668 ft)
Pressure Alt
706 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 986 ft
ISA Deviation: +2.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KMBS 211720Z 2118/2218 20012G22KT P6SM OVC150 FM211900 25012KT P6SM BKN060 OVC100 PROB30 2119/2123 5SM -SHRA OVC035 FM220000 28005KT P6SM SCT035 FM220600 35004KT 6SM BR SKC FM221300 33005KT P6SM SKC
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
19:00Z BASE
+0h
VFR 200° 12 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 15,000 ft
00:00Z FM220000
+5h
VFR 280° 5 kt
Visibility: >6SM
06:00Z FM220600
+11h
VFR 350° 4 kt
Visibility: 6SM
Mist

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
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
Chart Features
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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
MBS
05
23 ✈️
14
32

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 05/23
Active: 23
8,002 ft 150 ft ASP 45°
10.8 kt 1.9 kt
10° angle
14/32 6,400 ft 150 ft ASP 135°
1.0 kt 11.0 kt
85° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KMBS

6,935 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
62.3%
MVFR
24.5%
IFR
8.3%
LIFR
4.9%

MBS International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 62.3% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 13.2% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 9.5 knots, with gusts recorded up to 33 knots. Temperature extremes range from -24°C to 31°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Low visibility conditions (below 3 SM) occur in 5.2% of weather observations. The best months for VFR flying are October, September, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 9.5 kt
Maximum Recorded: 33 kt
Calm Winds: 7.3%
Direction Distribution:
N
9.2%
NE
9.5%
E
7%
SE
4.7%
S
15.3%
SW
17.3%
W
19.8%
NW
10%

Temperature Range

Average: 2.5°C
Range: -24°C to 31°C
-24°C 31°C

Visibility

Average: 8.7 SM
Below 3 SM: 5.2%
Fog Frequency: 5%

Best Months for VFR

October September November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05/23
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.3 kt
Runway 14/32
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 6.7 kt

Statistics computed from 6,935 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

MBS International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KMBS
IATA Code: MBS
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 668 ft MSL

Location

City: Freeland
Country: US
Latitude: 43.531913°
Longitude: -84.082275°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 05/23
Length: 8,002 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 14/32
Length: 6,400 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About MBS International Airport

Overview

MBS International Airport serves the Saginaw, Michigan metropolitan area as a medium-sized airport located in Freeland, Michigan. Positioned at an elevation of 668 feet MSL, the airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for commercial, general aviation, and potentially regional transportation needs in central Michigan.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly favorable flying conditions, with 63.3% of observations reporting VFR conditions. The airport experiences significant weather variability, with temperature ranges from -23°C to 31°C and average wind speeds of 9.3 knots from the west. Seasonal visibility averages 8.7 statute miles, though 5.1% of observations show visibility below 3 miles, with fog present in 4.8% of reports.

Notable Features

The airport features two asphalt runways: Runway 05/23 at 8,002 feet and Runway 14/32 at 6,400 feet. Both runways demonstrate consistent wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind conditions. Crosswind averages are moderate, measuring 5.2 knots for Runway 05/23 and 6.6 knots for Runway 14/32, providing reasonable operational flexibility for most aircraft.

Approach Considerations

September through November represent the most consistent VFR flying months, offering optimal approach conditions. Prevailing westerly winds at 270 degrees suggest pilots should anticipate wind conditions from that direction, with potential for occasional gusts up to 32 knots. Calm wind conditions occur in 8.7% of observations, recommending flexible runway selection based on current meteorological data.

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.