KDSM — Current METAR, Des Moines Intl, IA, US
Plain-English decode of the latest observation. Updates roughly hourly.
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Learn to read it yourself
This isn't just an hourly weather lookup — it's a way to learn the code. Every report opens with the raw METAR and TAF you can tap group by group to reveal what each piece means, so you can try to read it first and then check yourself. New to the format? Start with the METAR & TAF code reference →
Flight category
IFR
Instrument conditions — ceiling 500–1,000 ft and/or visibility 1–3 sm.
What do VFR, MVFR, IFR & LIFR mean?▾
| Category | Ceiling | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| VFRVisual Flight Rules | greater than 3,000 ft AGL | andgreater than 5 sm |
| MVFRMarginal VFR | 1,000 to 3,000 ft AGL | and/or3 to 5 sm |
| IFRInstrument Flight Rules | 500 to below 1,000 ft AGL | and/or1 to less than 3 sm |
| LIFRLow IFR | below 500 ft AGL | and/orless than 1 sm |
Raw METAR · observed 220754Z
👆 Tap any group above to decode it.
Decoded METAR
Raw TAF · issued 220520Z
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Decoded TAF — forecast
Base forecast — valid the 22nd at 06:00 UTC to the 23rd at 06:00 UTC
- Wind from 60° at 8 knots.
- Visibility 3 statute miles.
- Light drizzle.
- Mist.
- Overcast clouds at 500 ft AGL.
From the 22nd at 13:00 UTC
- Wind from 60° at 7 knots.
- Visibility 1/2 statute miles.
- Light drizzle.
- Mist.
- Overcast clouds at 400 ft AGL.
From the 22nd at 17:00 UTC
- Wind from 70° at 7 knots.
- Visibility 2 statute miles.
- Mist.
- Overcast clouds at 700 ft AGL.
From the 22nd at 22:00 UTC
- Wind from 80° at 7 knots.
- Visibility 4 statute miles.
- Mist.
- Overcast clouds at 1,500 ft AGL.
Source: NOAA/FAA Aviation Weather Center. For information only — not for flight planning or navigation; always use official briefing sources.
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