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PennsylvaniaReservoir, Carbon County, Luzerne County

Francis E. Walter Reservoir wind forecast

Francis E. Walter Reservoir, Pennsylvania
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Public domain

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    1-4kt

    WNW, gusts 12

    High 64°F, rain 1%

    Light wind
  2. TueOct 27

    2-4kt

    N, gusts 11

    High 58°F, rain 0%

    Light wind
  3. WedOct 28

    0-3kt

    S, gusts 9

    High 59°F, rain 0%

    Light wind
  4. ThuOct 29

    2-5kt

    SW, gusts 12

    High 64°F, rain 0%

    Use caution
  5. FriOct 30

    1-4kt

    WNW, gusts 11

    High 68°F, rain 0%

    Light wind
  6. SatOct 31

    1-2kt

    NNW, gusts 7

    High 64°F, rain 2%

    Light wind
  7. SunNov 1

    1-4kt

    S, gusts 11

    High 61°F, rain 36%

    Light wind

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 Francis E. Walter

Over the next 7 days on Francis E. Walter Reservoir, the windiest stretch looks like Monday, with gusts to about 12 kt. Saturday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 2 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.

On a lake the size of Francis E. Walter, 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.

Francis E. Walter Reservoir forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Francis E. Walter Reservoir this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: NNW wind 1 to 2 kt, gusts to 7 kt, high near 64°F. Sunday: S wind 1 to 4 kt, gusts to 11 kt, high near 61°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

When is the best day to sail on Francis E. Walter Reservoir this week?

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Thursday looks best, with SW wind around 2 to 5 kt and gusts near 12 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

Where does the Francis E. Walter Reservoir 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 Francis E. Walter is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.