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lakeglance

MichiganNatural lake, 920 acres, Berrien County

Paw Paw Lake wind forecast

Shoreline: USGS National Hydrography Dataset

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    1-6kt

    NNE, gusts 11

    High 66°F, rain 3%

    Use caution
  2. TueOct 27

    4-7kt

    SE, gusts 15

    High 68°F, rain 0%

    Good
  3. WedOct 28

    3-6kt

    S, gusts 11

    High 72°F, rain 0%

    Good
  4. ThuOct 29

    3-8kt

    SW, gusts 18

    High 72°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore
  5. FriOct 30

    1-5kt

    N, gusts 8

    High 70°F, rain 18%

    Use caution
  6. SatOct 31

    3-6kt

    SE, gusts 12

    High 69°F, rain 21%

    Good
  7. SunNov 1

    2-6kt

    S, gusts 11

    High 68°F, rain 38%

    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 Paw Paw

Over the next 7 days on Paw Paw 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.

Tuesday is the pick for sailing, and Monday 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 Thursday. 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 Paw Paw, 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.

Paw Paw Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Paw Paw Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SE wind 3 to 6 kt, gusts to 12 kt, high near 69°F. Sunday: S wind 2 to 6 kt, gusts to 11 kt, high near 68°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Tuesday looks best, with SE 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 Paw Paw 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 Paw Paw is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.