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lakeglance

New YorkNatural lake, 3,191 acres, Herkimer County

Fulton Chain Lakes wind forecast

Fulton Chain Lakes, New York
Photo: Elizgoiri, CC BY-SA 3.0

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    1-4kt

    WNW, gusts 13

    High 57°F, rain 22%

    Light wind
  2. TueOct 27

    0-1kt

    N, gusts 5

    High 48°F, rain 0%

    Light wind
  3. WedOct 28

    0-2kt

    SSW, gusts 6

    High 56°F, rain 0%

    Light wind
  4. ThuOct 29

    1-3kt

    SW, gusts 11

    High 62°F, rain 1%

    Light wind
  5. FriOct 30

    1-3kt

    W, gusts 11

    High 59°F, rain 15%

    Light wind
  6. SatOct 31

    0-2kt

    W, gusts 6

    High 58°F, rain 5%

    Light wind
  7. SunNov 1

    1-3kt

    SSW, gusts 9

    High 59°F, rain 35%

    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 Fulton Chain Lakes

Over the next 7 days on Fulton Chain Lakes, the windiest stretch looks like Monday, with gusts to about 13 kt. Tuesday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 1 kt.

Tuesday 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 Fulton Chain Lakes, 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.

Fulton Chain Lakes forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Fulton Chain Lakes this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: W wind 0 to 2 kt, gusts to 6 kt, high near 58°F. Sunday: SSW wind 1 to 3 kt, gusts to 9 kt, high near 59°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

When is the best day to sail on Fulton Chain Lakes this week?

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Tuesday looks best, with N wind around 0 to 1 kt and gusts near 5 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

Where does the Fulton Chain Lakes 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 Fulton Chain Lakes is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.