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lakeglance

IdahoNatural lake, 1,340 acres, Bonner County

Upper Priest Lake wind forecast

Shoreline: USGS National Hydrography Dataset

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    2-6kt

    NW, gusts 9

    High 56°F, rain 90%

    Use caution
  2. TueOct 27

    3-4kt

    S, gusts 9

    High 45°F, rain 98%

    Light wind
  3. WedOct 28

    3-6kt

    S, gusts 10

    High 42°F, rain 100%

    Use caution
  4. ThuOct 29

    1-2kt

    ENE, gusts 4

    High 44°F, rain 52%

    Light wind
  5. FriOct 30

    1-4kt

    ENE, gusts 6

    High 44°F, rain 43%

    Light wind
  6. SatOct 31

    1-2kt

    SW, gusts 4

    High 47°F, rain 14%

    Light wind
  7. SunNov 1

    1-2kt

    WSW, gusts 4

    High 49°F, rain 14%

    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 Upper Priest

Over the next 7 days on Upper Priest Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Wednesday, with gusts to about 10 kt. Thursday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 2 kt.

Wednesday is the pick for sailing, and Saturday 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 Upper Priest, 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.

Upper Priest Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Upper Priest Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SW wind 1 to 2 kt, gusts to 4 kt, high near 47°F. Sunday: WSW wind 1 to 2 kt, gusts to 4 kt, high near 49°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Wednesday looks best, with S wind around 3 to 6 kt and gusts near 10 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

Where does the Upper Priest 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 Upper Priest is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.