WashingtonNatural lake, 1,092 acres, Pierce County
American Lake wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
TodayOct 26
0-2kt
NW, gusts 3
High 57°F, rain 35%
Light wind -
TueOct 27
5-11kt
SW, gusts 15
High 57°F, rain 74%
Good -
WedOct 28
1-8kt
SW, gusts 13
High 53°F, rain 94%
Use caution -
ThuOct 29
2-4kt
ENE, gusts 5
High 50°F, rain 71%
Light wind -
FriOct 30
0-2kt
NNE, gusts 3
High 52°F, rain 25%
Light wind -
SatOct 31
0-3kt
N, gusts 4
High 54°F, rain 9%
Light wind -
SunNov 1
0-3kt
W, gusts 4
High 55°F, rain 3%
Light wind
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on American
Over the next 7 days on American Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Tuesday, with gusts to about 15 kt. Monday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 2 kt.
Tuesday is the pick for sailing, and Sunday 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 American, 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.
American Lake forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for American Lake this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: N wind 0 to 3 kt, gusts to 4 kt, high near 54°F. Sunday: W wind 0 to 3 kt, gusts to 4 kt, high near 55°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on American Lake this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Tuesday looks best, with SW wind around 5 to 11 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 American 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 American is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.