MSFS

MSFS Weather Presets Pack (Expansion)

MSFS Weather Presets Pack (Expansion) broadens the range of selectable atmospheric scenarios with handcrafted setups for dramatic cloudscapes, gusty winds, de-icing conditions, fog and mist, snow, thunderstorms, and glider-friendly soaring. In Microsoft Flight Simulator, experimental location-specific presets around major airports add targeted weather phenomena for realistic training, approaches, and screenshot flights.

5/5 (1) 2.6k downloads 58.4 MB Scanned clean

Flight Simulator 2020

Images & Screenshots

14 total

A single-engine aircraft flies above a snow-covered forest near a runway, with mountains and scattered clouds in the background.

A small single-engine aircraft flies above a snow-dusted airport with intersecting runways near a coastline at sunset.

A glider cockpit view shows analog and digital instruments, the pilot’s legs, and expansive terrain beneath a sky filled with cumulus clouds.

A glider cockpit view shows analog instruments and a navigation display above snow-capped mountains under scattered cumulus clouds.

A small single-engine aircraft rests on the grass beside a runway under overcast, foggy weather conditions at an airport.

A small white single-engine aircraft is parked on grass near a red-and-white windsock at an airfield during sunset.

A small single-engine aircraft flies above snow-capped mountains with dramatic, dense clouds filling the sky and sunlight streaming from the left.

A small twin-boom propeller aircraft is parked on grass beside a runway under hazy skies, with a control tower visible in the distance.

A small single-engine aircraft is parked on grass near a red and white windsock at the edge of an airfield at sunset.

A small high-wing aircraft flies above a coastline with a dramatic towering cloud and a faint rainbow visible in the distance.

A small single-engine aircraft flies above green islands and shallow water, heading toward dramatic cumulus clouds under a deep blue sky.

A small single-engine aircraft flies above dense, layered clouds with a dramatic overcast sky and coastline visible below.

A single-engine high-wing aircraft flies above hilly terrain with patches of snow under dramatic, partly cloudy skies at dusk or dawn.

A twin-engine utility aircraft with fixed landing gear flies above snow-covered mountains under dramatic, towering clouds with patches of blue sky.

All screenshots above have been created by Fly Away Simulation and are exclusive. For more details, see our image copyright information.

Editor reviewed · Tested in-sim

Expert Overview

The MSFS Weather Presets Pack by DNBOF injects realistic, ready-made atmospheric configurations into Microsoft Flight Simulator, offering scenarios that range from calmer breeze patterns to full-throttle thunderstorms. Each preset is meticulously designed to simulate varying visibility levels, wind conditions, and thermal activity, making it a versatile tool for pilots who want to advance their flying acumen and capture spectacular in-sim visuals.

From my decades of experience in the flight simulation world, I’ve found these weather variations particularly useful for both recreational and instructional flights. The inclusion of experimental location-based presets adds an immersive twist, challenging users with region-specific phenomena around major airports, while retaining the performance-friendly and accessible nature of a freeware add-on that significantly broadens MSFS’s environmental realism.

Enhancing the realism and versatility of weather conditions in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, the MSFS Weather Presets Pack, crafted by DoNotBeOnFire (DNBOF), stands as a pivotal addition for sim enthusiasts. This freeware expansion enriches the simulation experience by introducing a diverse array of atmospheric scenarios, meticulously designed to elevate the realism of flight operations.

Main Presets

Atmospheric Conditions: This preset underscores the dynamic and visually stunning cloud formations, ideal for capturing breathtaking screenshots during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Breezy: Tailored for pilots seeking a challenge with variable wind speeds at different altitudes, ranging from surface winds to higher altitude currents.
De-icing: A practical utility for those critical moments when encountering freezing conditions without de-icing capabilities, offering a quick solution to minimize ice accumulation.
Fog and Mist: Two distinct presets affecting visibility across different ranges, perfect for testing navigational skills in limited visibility scenarios.
Snow and Thunderstorms: A range of presets from light snow showers to intense thunderstorms, each offering unique challenges and visual experiences.
Soaring Conditions: Ideal for glider enthusiasts, these presets offer optimal conditions for ridge and thermal soaring in various locations, such as the Alps and Namibia.
Windy: A preset catering to pilots who wish to hone their skills in handling strong and gusty winds, a crucial aspect of real-world aviation.

Experimental Weather Presets

The expansion also introduces an exciting segment – Experimental Weather Presets. These presets are location-specific, offering unique atmospheric phenomena around notable airports such as KSPS, KEWR, EGLC, RJTT, and YSSY. For instance, the EGLC - West preset simulates a large cloudy supercell to the west of London City Airport, impacting weather conditions even in the vicinity of Heathrow.

Real-World Application

Each preset in this pack not only enhances the virtual flying experience but also serves as a practical tool for real-world pilots and enthusiasts. Understanding and adapting to diverse weather conditions is crucial in aviation. This pack provides an invaluable opportunity to experience and learn from a wide range of meteorological scenarios, directly transferrable to real-world flying skills.

This pack by DNBOF is a comprehensive, free addition for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 users. It not only elevates the visual and practical aspects of the simulation but also serves as an educational tool, offering insights into the complexities of weather in aviation. An essential download for any serious flight simulator enthusiast.

Understanding Weather Presets in Microsoft Flight Simulator

Weather presets in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 play a pivotal role in creating an immersive and realistic flying experience. These presets are predefined weather scenarios that can be easily selected and applied to any flight. The primary purpose of these presets is to simulate a wide range of atmospheric conditions, enhancing the realism and challenge of flight simulation.

What are Weather Presets?

A weather preset is a set of meteorological conditions that has been preconfigured and can be instantly applied to the simulation environment. These conditions include variables such as wind speed and direction, temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, and visibility. Each preset is designed to replicate specific weather phenomena, ranging from clear skies and calm winds to severe thunderstorms and low-visibility fog.

How Users Benefit from Weather Presets

Enhanced Realism: Weather presets add a layer of authenticity to the simulation, allowing users to experience and adapt to the dynamic and often challenging conditions faced by real-world pilots.
Training and Skill Development: By flying in various weather scenarios, sim pilots can sharpen their navigation, decision-making, and aircraft handling skills, preparing them for real-life flying.
Versatility in Flight Experience: Whether a user is looking for a leisurely flight in clear skies or a challenging approach in gusty winds, weather presets offer a multitude of experiences catering to all skill levels and preferences.
Easy Accessibility: Presets provide a quick and hassle-free way to alter weather conditions, making it easy for users to switch scenarios without needing in-depth meteorological knowledge.
Scenario-Based Learning: For flight training, specific weather presets can be used to simulate conditions required for certain training exercises, enhancing the educational value of the simulator.

In essence, weather presets in MSFS 2020 are essential tools that not only augment the enjoyment and challenge of flight simulation but also serve as a practical means for education and skill enhancement in aviation.

Installation

Simply extract the archive, browse into the msfs2020-weather-presets-master folder and inside that folder, copy the dnbof-weather-presets-pack folder into your MSFS community folder.

Ready to download Weather Presets Pack (Expansion)?

Free for all simmers · 58.4 MB · Scanned clean

File information

Filename

msfs-weather-presets.zip

File size

58.4 MB

Virus scan

Clean (scanned with ClamAV)

Access

Freeware

Content rating

Everyone

Download speed: Free tier is capped at 2 Mbps (this file takes approximately 4 mins at the cap). PRO members download at full line speed.

This is a freeware file — use is subject to our freeware copyright terms.

How to install this mod

MSFS add-on

Extract the downloaded archive

Use 7-Zip (free) or WinRAR to extract the ZIP to a temporary folder. Don't install while still zipped — the simulator can't read inside ZIP files.
Locate your MSFS Community folder

All MSFS add-ons live in the Community folder. Microsoft Store / Game Pass version: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages\Community\. Steam version: %APPDATA%\Microsoft Flight Simulator\Packages\Community\. Tip: enable Developer Mode in MSFS to see your exact Community folder path.
Copy the package into Community

Drag the extracted folder into your Community folder. Most MSFS add-ons follow this pattern.
Restart MSFS

Close MSFS completely and relaunch. The new content appears in the Content Manager, on the World Map, or in the aircraft/livery selector.
Always read the included readme

Every mod ships with a readme.txt or README file. It tells you exactly where files go, what dependencies are needed, and any quirks specific to this add-on.