MinnesotaNatural lake, 1,473 acres, Blue Earth County, Le Sueur County
Lake Washington (Blue Earth County, Le Sueur County, Minnesota) wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
TodayOct 26
8-9kt
ENE, gusts 16
High 49°F, rain 90%
Good -
TueOct 27
4-12kt
SSW, gusts 20
High 62°F, rain 20%
Good -
WedOct 28
5-9kt
S, gusts 16
High 70°F, storms possible
Stay ashore -
ThuOct 29
3-4kt
N, gusts 8
High 64°F, rain 3%
Light wind -
FriOct 30
4-6kt
E, gusts 12
High 64°F, rain 40%
Good -
SatOct 31
5-8kt
SSE, gusts 15
High 64°F, rain 50%
Good -
SunNov 1
4-6kt
SSW, gusts 11
High 62°F, rain 24%
Good
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on Washington
Over the next 7 days on Lake Washington, the windiest stretch looks like Tuesday, with gusts to about 20 kt. Thursday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 4 kt.
Monday 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 Washington, 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.
Lake Washington forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for Lake Washington this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SSE wind 5 to 8 kt, gusts to 15 kt, high near 64°F, 50% chance of rain. Sunday: SSW wind 4 to 6 kt, gusts to 11 kt, high near 62°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on Lake Washington this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Monday looks best, with ENE wind around 8 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 Lake Washington 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 Washington is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.