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North DakotaReservoir

Patterson Lake wind forecast

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    7-13kt

    ESE, gusts 21

    High 42°F, rain 30%

    Use caution
  2. TueOct 27

    11-16kt

    S, gusts 24

    High 49°F, rain 9%

    Use caution
  3. WedOct 28

    2-13kt

    W, gusts 20

    High 58°F, rain 0%

    Good
  4. ThuOct 29

    5-9kt

    NNW, gusts 16

    High 55°F, rain 0%

    Good
  5. FriOct 30

    9-12kt

    ESE, gusts 21

    High 48°F, rain 25%

    Use caution
  6. SatOct 31

    5-8kt

    WNW, gusts 13

    High 52°F, rain 31%

    Good
  7. SunNov 1

    6-10kt

    SE, gusts 19

    High 54°F, rain 21%

    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 Patterson

Over the next 7 days on Patterson Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Tuesday, with gusts to about 24 kt. Saturday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 8 kt.

Thursday 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 Patterson, 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.

Patterson Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Patterson Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: WNW wind 5 to 8 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 52°F. Sunday: SE wind 6 to 10 kt, gusts to 19 kt, high near 54°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Thursday looks best, with NNW wind around 5 to 9 kt and gusts near 16 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

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