LAKE ERIE WEATHER
What to know before you go: wind, waves, and weather conditions to help paddlers stay safe on the water.
Outlook for the Day
The Lake Erie nearshore marine forecast for waters < 5 nautical miles from shore. Be sure to scroll down to view the forecast that includes Avon Point to Willowick, OH.
Wind Readings
Onshore winds (i.e., winds blowing onto land from the late) 10 knots or stronger will create waves and whitecaps. Offshore winds (blowing out to sea) may push you away from shore and make it difficult to return.
Wave Data
Wave Height: Waves are typically an issue for beginner paddlers when they exceed 1.5 to 2 ft. A 2 ft wave is about chest high when sitting in a kayak; a 3 ft wave is at eye level—you’ll lose sight of your paddling mates momentarily in 3 ft seas.
Wave Period is the time between the crests of each wave. Longer periods (4 secs or more) mean waves are more evenly spaced swells, while shorter periods (1-3 seconds) create waves that are steeper and closer.
Wave Direction. The wave direction indicates where the wave is coming from . Thus, a wave that is SSE is coming from the south & heading to Canada…meaning it will be flat on our shores.