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lakeglance

New YorkNatural lake, 13,097 acres, Chautauqua County

Chautauqua Lake wind forecast

Chautauqua Lake, New York
Photo: Banderas, Public domain

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    3-7kt

    WNW, gusts 13

    High 65°F, rain 2%

    Good
  2. TueOct 27

    2-4kt

    ENE, gusts 8

    High 59°F, rain 0%

    Light wind
  3. WedOct 28

    3-5kt

    S, gusts 10

    High 67°F, rain 0%

    Use caution
  4. ThuOct 29

    6-9kt

    SSW, gusts 16

    High 70°F, rain 0%

    Good
  5. FriOct 30

    3-6kt

    WNW, gusts 11

    High 66°F, rain 11%

    Good
  6. SatOct 31

    2-4kt

    SW, gusts 8

    High 66°F, rain 6%

    Light wind
  7. SunNov 1

    5-8kt

    S, gusts 14

    High 66°F, rain 48%

    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 Chautauqua

Over the next 7 days on Chautauqua Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Thursday, with gusts to about 16 kt. Tuesday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 4 kt.

Thursday is the pick for sailing, and Tuesday 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.

Chautauqua Lake is large enough for wind to build real waves. When the forecast direction lines up with the long open stretches of the lake, expect bigger chop than the wind speed alone suggests, and plan routes that keep you near a sheltered shore on the way back.

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.

Chautauqua Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Chautauqua Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SW wind 2 to 4 kt, gusts to 8 kt, high near 66°F. Sunday: S wind 5 to 8 kt, gusts to 14 kt, high near 66°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Thursday looks best, with SSW wind around 6 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 Chautauqua 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 Chautauqua is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.