MichiganNatural lake, 2,913 acres, Grand Traverse County
Long Lake (Grand Traverse County, Michigan) wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
TodayOct 26
3-7kt
NNE, gusts 16
High 52°F, rain 8%
Use caution -
TueOct 27
2-6kt
SE, gusts 15
High 58°F, rain 10%
Use caution -
WedOct 28
5-7kt
SSW, gusts 17
High 69°F, rain 2%
Good -
ThuOct 29
2-7kt
WSW, gusts 20
High 63°F, storms possible
Stay ashore -
FriOct 30
0-4kt
WNW, gusts 10
High 62°F, rain 13%
Light wind -
SatOct 31
3-5kt
S, gusts 13
High 62°F, rain 25%
Use caution -
SunNov 1
2-4kt
SSW, gusts 12
High 63°F, rain 39%
Light wind
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on Long
Over the next 7 days on Long Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Thursday, with gusts to about 20 kt. Friday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 4 kt.
Wednesday 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 Long, 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.
Long Lake forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for Long Lake this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: S wind 3 to 5 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 62°F. Sunday: SSW wind 2 to 4 kt, gusts to 12 kt, high near 63°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on Long Lake this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Wednesday looks best, with SSW wind around 5 to 7 kt and gusts near 17 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.
Where does the Long 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 Long is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.