Safe Boating Resources, Know Before You Go!

Know Before You Go...Boating!

As temperatures get warmer, you may be itching to enjoy one of the best things Wisconsin has to offer: boating on a lake. But do you know where to find forecasts for your lake cruises, and how to get updates while you're on the water? If not, look no further as we'll outline some great resources down below!

For additional information also check out www.weather.gov/safety/safeboating

Inland Lake Forecast
Lake Michigan
Across the Great Lakes
Boating Safety

Inland Lake Forecast

If you are looking for a forecast for an inland lake in the Milwaukee/Sullivan Office forecast area visit:

www.weather.gov/inland-lake-waves

When you click on the link you will be taken to a page with the map displayed on the right.

If you hover over the lake a forecast will pop up, or you have the option to turn off the hover feature in the top right of the image and just click on the lake you want.

When you choose the lake you are interested a forecast will pop up like the one shown to the right.

Lake Michigan

For Lake Michigan you can go to www.weather.gov/mkx/local-marine for the Nearshore and Open Lake Forecast!

When you load this page there are many resources to find out what conditions to expect on Lake Michigan.

At the top there is the option to go to the Great Lakes Page (which will be covered on another tab) and the Inland Lakes Page.

Also there are links to the latest Hazardous Weather Outlook, Marine Weather Statements, and Special Marine Warnings.

To get to the Nearshore Forecast (within 5 NM from shore) simply click on the zone that applies to you. We have 7 different offices providing Nearshore Forecasts for Lake Michigan: Milwaukee WI, Green Bay WI, Marquette MI, Gaylord MI, Grand Rapids MI, Northern Indiana, and Chicago IL.

If you want the Open Lakes Forecast (beyond 5 NM from shore) just click on the blue area and it will take you to the latest forecast.

If you are looking for a forecast outside of Lake Michigan you can also go to: www.weather.gov/marine

Across the Great Lakes

For marine forecasts across the Great Lakes go to www.weather.gov/greatlakes

On this page you can look at a broad picture of information along with point specific information by clicking on the map (location of white circle). To see all of the information just scroll down!

***NOTE THESE IMAGES ARE NOT BEING UPDATED ON THIS PAGE, CLICK THE LINK FOR THE LATEST FORECAST***

There are 11 forecast offices that provide weather information for the Great Lakes! Check out the map below to see which offices provide nearshore forecasts and special marine warnings and statements for you!

Boating Safety

Remain situationally aware and have multiple ways to receive warning information!