MontanaNatural lake, 2,249 acres, Flathead County
Bowman Lake wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
TodayOct 26
0-1kt
SSW, gusts 3
High 51°F, rain 8%
Light wind -
TueOct 27
4-5kt
SSW, gusts 12
High 42°F, rain 81%
Use caution -
WedOct 28
2-7kt
S, gusts 17
High 41°F, rain 99%
Use caution -
ThuOct 29
2-3kt
ENE, gusts 7
High 38°F, rain 36%
Light wind -
FriOct 30
1-5kt
NW, gusts 7
High 41°F, rain 20%
Use caution -
SatOct 31
2-3kt
SW, gusts 6
High 43°F, rain 15%
Light wind -
SunNov 1
2-3kt
WSW, gusts 6
High 44°F, rain 20%
Light wind
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on Bowman
Over the next 7 days on Bowman Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Wednesday, with gusts to about 17 kt. Monday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 1 kt.
Tuesday is the pick for sailing, and Monday 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.
On a lake the size of Bowman, waves stay modest, but nearby hills, trees and buildings bend the wind. Expect shifts and puffs, especially close to shore, and treat the forecast speed as an average across open water.
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.
Bowman Lake forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for Bowman Lake this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SW wind 2 to 3 kt, gusts to 6 kt, high near 43°F. Sunday: WSW wind 2 to 3 kt, gusts to 6 kt, high near 44°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on Bowman Lake this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Tuesday looks best, with SSW wind around 4 to 5 kt and gusts near 12 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.
Where does the Bowman 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 Bowman is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.