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FloridaNatural lake, 3,361 acres, Highlands County

Lake Jackson (Highlands County, Florida) wind forecast

Lake Jackson, Florida
Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    14-21kt

    NE, gusts 32

    High 82°F, rain 6%

    Stay ashore
  2. TueOct 27

    13-21kt

    NE, gusts 33

    High 83°F, rain 16%

    Stay ashore
  3. WedOct 28

    15-20kt

    NE, gusts 31

    High 82°F, rain 42%

    Stay ashore
  4. ThuOct 29

    12-16kt

    NE, gusts 25

    High 84°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore
  5. FriOct 30

    8-14kt

    NE, gusts 22

    High 85°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore
  6. SatOct 31

    6-11kt

    ENE, gusts 19

    High 86°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore
  7. SunNov 1

    4-8kt

    ENE, gusts 15

    High 85°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore

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 Jackson

Over the next 7 days on Lake Jackson, the windiest stretch looks like Tuesday, with gusts to about 33 kt. Sunday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 8 kt.

None of the next few days looks comfortable for sailing or paddling, so check the hourly strip for a short calm window before you go.

Thunderstorms are in the forecast for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Lake Jackson this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: ENE wind 6 to 11 kt, gusts to 19 kt, high near 86°F, thunderstorms possible. Sunday: ENE wind 4 to 8 kt, gusts to 15 kt, high near 85°F, thunderstorms possible. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Monday looks best, with NE wind around 14 to 21 kt and gusts near 32 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

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