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MinnesotaReservoir, 12,602 acres, Big Stone County

Big Stone Lake wind forecast

Big Stone Lake, Minnesota
Photo: McGhiever, CC BY-SA 3.0

7-day outlook

Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.

  1. TodayOct 26

    5-8kt

    ENE, gusts 15

    High 43°F, rain 100%

    Good
  2. TueOct 27

    3-8kt

    SSW, gusts 15

    High 53°F, rain 4%

    Good
  3. WedOct 28

    3-5kt

    WSW, gusts 11

    High 62°F, rain 42%

    Use caution
  4. ThuOct 29

    1-5kt

    ENE, gusts 10

    High 60°F, rain 2%

    Use caution
  5. FriOct 30

    3-7kt

    E, gusts 14

    High 59°F, rain 31%

    Good
  6. SatOct 31

    4-7kt

    SE, gusts 14

    High 61°F, rain 39%

    Good
  7. SunNov 1

    5-7kt

    SW, gusts 14

    High 60°F, rain 23%

    Good

Hour by hour, next 3 days

Wind and gusts0 to 30+ ktScoreGood, caution, stay ashoreNightBest windowArrows point where the wind blows to.

This week on Big Stone

Over the next 7 days on Big Stone Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Monday, with gusts to about 15 kt. Wednesday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 5 kt.

Sunday is the pick for sailing, and Thursday looks best for kayaks and paddleboards. Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons, so check the hourly strip for the exact window.

Reading a lake wind forecast

Sustained wind is the average over a couple of minutes; gusts are the short peaks. On inland water the gap between the two matters as much as the average. A steady 12 kt is a pleasant sail, while 8 kt gusting 20 kt knocks small boats flat and tires out paddlers.

Big Stone Lake is large enough for wind to build real waves. When the forecast direction lines up with the long open stretches of the lake, expect bigger chop than the wind speed alone suggests, and plan routes that keep you near a sheltered shore on the way back.

The National Weather Service forecast covers a 2.5 km grid, so local effects like a sea breeze off a big lake, a cold front or afternoon thunderstorms can arrive earlier or stronger than shown. Check the forecast again on the morning you go, and keep an eye on small craft advisories.

Big Stone Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Big Stone Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SE wind 4 to 7 kt, gusts to 14 kt, high near 61°F. Sunday: SW wind 5 to 7 kt, gusts to 14 kt, high near 60°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

When is the best day to sail on Big Stone Lake this week?

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Sunday looks best, with SW wind around 5 to 7 kt and gusts near 14 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

Where does the Big Stone Lake wind forecast come from?

From the National Weather Service gridded forecast for the 2.5 km cell over the lake. It is the same forecast local NWS offices use, updated several times a day. We convert wind to knots and add our own go or no-go call for each activity.

What wind is too strong for a kayak or paddleboard?

We flag paddling as risky once sustained wind passes about 8 kt or gusts pass 12 kt, and advise staying ashore above 12 kt sustained or 18 kt gusts. Offshore wind is the most dangerous because it pushes you away from the launch.

Nearby lakes

If Big Stone is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.