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lakeglance

WisconsinNatural lake, 1,348 acres, Barron County, Washburn County

Bear Lake wind forecast

Shoreline: USGS National Hydrography Dataset

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    4-5kt

    ENE, gusts 12

    High 50°F, rain 56%

    Use caution
  2. TueOct 27

    6-13kt

    SSE, gusts 22

    High 59°F, rain 57%

    Use caution
  3. WedOct 28

    4-8kt

    S, gusts 16

    High 67°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore
  4. ThuOct 29

    1-4kt

    NW, gusts 10

    High 63°F, rain 4%

    Light wind
  5. FriOct 30

    2-4kt

    NE, gusts 10

    High 61°F, rain 22%

    Light wind
  6. SatOct 31

    4-7kt

    SSE, gusts 15

    High 61°F, rain 52%

    Good
  7. SunNov 1

    2-5kt

    SSW, gusts 13

    High 62°F, rain 32%

    Use caution

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 Bear

Over the next 7 days on Bear Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Tuesday, with gusts to about 22 kt. Thursday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 4 kt.

Saturday 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.

Thunderstorms are in the forecast for Wednesday. 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 Bear, 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.

Bear Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Bear Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SSE wind 4 to 7 kt, gusts to 15 kt, high near 61°F, 52% chance of rain. Sunday: SSW wind 2 to 5 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 62°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Saturday looks best, with SSE wind around 4 to 7 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 Bear 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 Bear is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.