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lakeglance

WisconsinNatural lake, Washington County

Big Cedar Lake wind forecast

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    6-10kt

    NE, gusts 16

    High 56°F, rain 3%

    Good
  2. TueOct 27

    5-11kt

    SE, gusts 18

    High 63°F, rain 1%

    Good
  3. WedOct 28

    3-7kt

    SSW, gusts 14

    High 71°F, rain 4%

    Good
  4. ThuOct 29

    2-7kt

    W, gusts 17

    High 70°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore
  5. FriOct 30

    1-4kt

    SSE, gusts 9

    High 66°F, rain 35%

    Light wind
  6. SatOct 31

    3-6kt

    SE, gusts 13

    High 65°F, rain 40%

    Use caution
  7. SunNov 1

    2-4kt

    S, gusts 10

    High 65°F, rain 33%

    Light wind

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 Cedar

Over the next 7 days on Big Cedar Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Tuesday, with gusts to about 18 kt. Friday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 4 kt.

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

Thunderstorms are in the forecast for Thursday. Plan to be off the water before the first rumble; lightning can strike miles ahead of a storm.

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 Big Cedar, 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.

Big Cedar Lake forecast questions

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

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SE wind 3 to 6 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 65°F. Sunday: S wind 2 to 4 kt, gusts to 10 kt, high near 65°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Monday looks best, with NE wind around 6 to 10 kt and gusts near 16 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

Where does the Big Cedar 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 Cedar is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.