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MichiganNatural lake, 4,140 acres, Mackinac County

South Manistique Lake wind forecast

South Manistique Lake, Michigan
Photo: Howenstein115, CC0

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    7-10kt

    N, gusts 16

    High 49°F, rain 5%

    Good
  2. TueOct 27

    7-11kt

    SE, gusts 19

    High 51°F, rain 17%

    Good
  3. WedOct 28

    9-11kt

    SSW, gusts 20

    High 61°F, rain 5%

    Good
  4. ThuOct 29

    6-9kt

    WNW, gusts 16

    High 59°F, rain 39%

    Good
  5. FriOct 30

    2-7kt

    WNW, gusts 12

    High 56°F, rain 9%

    Good
  6. SatOct 31

    4-7kt

    S, gusts 15

    High 56°F, rain 22%

    Good
  7. SunNov 1

    4-7kt

    SSW, gusts 13

    High 57°F, rain 39%

    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 South Manistique

Over the next 7 days on South Manistique Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Wednesday, with gusts to about 20 kt. Friday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 7 kt.

Monday 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.

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 South Manistique, 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.

South Manistique Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for South Manistique Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: S wind 4 to 7 kt, gusts to 15 kt, high near 56°F. Sunday: SSW wind 4 to 7 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 57°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Monday looks best, with N wind around 7 to 10 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 South Manistique 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 South Manistique is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.