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lakeglance

New MexicoNatural lake, 2,276 acres, Hidalgo County

Playas Lake wind forecast

Shoreline: USGS National Hydrography Dataset

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    1-5kt

    SE, gusts 11

    High 77°F, rain 3%

    Use caution
  2. TueOct 27

    1-5kt

    S, gusts 10

    High 78°F, rain 0%

    Use caution
  3. WedOct 28

    2-4kt

    S, gusts 10

    High 79°F, rain 0%

    Light wind
  4. ThuOct 29

    1-4kt

    ESE, gusts 9

    High 78°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore
  5. FriOct 30

    2-7kt

    SSW, gusts 12

    High 73°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore
  6. SatOct 31

    3-6kt

    SSW, gusts 11

    High 73°F, rain 13%

    Good
  7. SunNov 1

    5-10kt

    SW, gusts 15

    High 72°F, rain 41%

    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 Playas

Over the next 7 days on Playas Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Sunday, with gusts to about 15 kt. Wednesday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 4 kt.

Sunday is the pick for sailing, and Monday 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, Friday. 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 Playas, 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.

Playas Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Playas Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SSW wind 3 to 6 kt, gusts to 11 kt, high near 73°F. Sunday: SW wind 5 to 10 kt, gusts to 15 kt, high near 72°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Sunday looks best, with SW wind around 5 to 10 kt and gusts near 15 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

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