MaineNatural lake, 2,472 acres, Aroostook County
Cross Lake wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
TodayOct 26
7-11kt
WNW, gusts 20
High 53°F, rain 22%
Good -
TueOct 27
6-10kt
NW, gusts 19
High 39°F, rain 0%
Good -
WedOct 28
3-6kt
W, gusts 12
High 44°F, rain 0%
Good -
ThuOct 29
4-8kt
SW, gusts 15
High 56°F, rain 4%
Good -
FriOct 30
7-11kt
WNW, gusts 22
High 54°F, rain 27%
Use caution -
SatOct 31
3-8kt
WNW, gusts 16
High 46°F, rain 5%
Good -
SunNov 1
4-8kt
WSW, gusts 15
High 50°F, rain 14%
Good
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on Cross
Over the next 7 days on Cross Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Friday, with gusts to about 22 kt. Wednesday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 6 kt.
Tuesday is the pick for sailing, and Wednesday 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 Cross, 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.
Cross Lake forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for Cross Lake this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: WNW wind 3 to 8 kt, gusts to 16 kt, high near 46°F. Sunday: WSW wind 4 to 8 kt, gusts to 15 kt, high near 50°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on Cross Lake this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Tuesday looks best, with NW wind around 6 to 10 kt and gusts near 19 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.
Where does the Cross 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 Cross is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.