MichiganNatural lake, 2,475 acres, Roscommon County
North Bay Houghton Lake wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
TodayOct 26
4-6kt
N, gusts 12
High 55°F, rain 11%
Good -
TueOct 27
4-8kt
SE, gusts 16
High 55°F, rain 1%
Good -
WedOct 28
5-8kt
S, gusts 15
High 68°F, rain 0%
Good -
ThuOct 29
5-10kt
WSW, gusts 18
High 66°F, rain 50%
Good -
FriOct 30
2-5kt
WNW, gusts 12
High 63°F, rain 11%
Use caution -
SatOct 31
4-6kt
S, gusts 13
High 63°F, rain 25%
Good -
SunNov 1
4-6kt
SSW, gusts 13
High 63°F, rain 36%
Good
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on North Bay Houghton
Over the next 7 days on North Bay Houghton Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Thursday, with gusts to about 18 kt. Friday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 5 kt.
Wednesday is the pick for sailing, and Friday 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 North Bay Houghton, 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.
North Bay Houghton Lake forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for North Bay Houghton Lake this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: S wind 4 to 6 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 63°F. Sunday: SSW wind 4 to 6 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 63°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on North Bay Houghton Lake this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Wednesday looks best, with S wind around 5 to 8 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 North Bay Houghton 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 North Bay Houghton is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.
- Houghton LakeNatural lake, 17,606 ac, Michigan4 mi
- Higgins LakeNatural lake, 10,197 ac, Michigan7 mi
- Lake St. HelenNatural lake, 2,417 ac, Michigan16 mi
- Lake MargretheNatural lake, 1,924 ac, Michigan18 mi
- Lake MissaukeeNatural lake, 2,041 ac, Michigan23 mi
- Lake CadillacNatural lake, 1,165 ac, Michigan34 mi