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South DakotaNatural lake, 4,756 acres, Charles Mix County

Lake Andes wind forecast

Lake Andes, South Dakota
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    9-13kt

    NE, gusts 21

    High 45°F, rain 99%

    Use caution
  2. TueOct 27

    4-12kt

    S, gusts 20

    High 58°F, rain 1%

    Good
  3. WedOct 28

    4-7kt

    SW, gusts 12

    High 63°F, rain 21%

    Good
  4. ThuOct 29

    2-6kt

    SE, gusts 11

    High 62°F, rain 2%

    Use caution
  5. FriOct 30

    4-9kt

    ESE, gusts 15

    High 64°F, rain 40%

    Good
  6. SatOct 31

    6-9kt

    S, gusts 17

    High 63°F, rain 33%

    Good
  7. SunNov 1

    6-8kt

    S, gusts 14

    High 61°F, rain 22%

    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 Andes

Over the next 7 days on Lake Andes, the windiest stretch looks like Monday, with gusts to about 21 kt. Thursday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 6 kt.

Tuesday 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.

On a lake the size of Andes, 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.

Lake Andes forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Lake Andes this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: S wind 6 to 9 kt, gusts to 17 kt, high near 63°F. Sunday: S wind 6 to 8 kt, gusts to 14 kt, high near 61°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Tuesday looks best, with S wind around 4 to 12 kt and gusts near 20 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

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