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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-taf-length

How long a forecast period do most NWS TAFs cover?

Most TAFs cover 24 hours.

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  1. 12 hours
  2. 24 hours ✔
  3. 36 hours

Why: Most TAFs give a 24 hour forecast for the airport. TAFs for some major airports run 30 hours, so check the valid period on each one.

Huh, didn't know that: NWS forecasters issue TAFs for nearly 700 U.S. airports.

The dad joke
A TAF is a forecast with a deadline: 24 hours and it is old news.
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References

Answer: 24 hours. Most TAFs give a 24 hour forecast for the airport. TAFs for some major airports run 30 hours, so check the valid period on each one.

  1. FAA Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28B) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/FAA-H-8083-28B.pdf
    TAFs are issued by NWS WFOs for nearly 700 U.S. airports.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. FAA Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28B) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/FAA-H-8083-28B.pdf
    The majority of TAFs provide a 24-hour forecast for the airport
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. FAA Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28B) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/FAA-H-8083-28B.pdf
    while TAFs for some major airports provide a 30-hour forecast.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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