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 lake) of 10k 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.
Note: If the buoy readings above are lagging, you can check out the direct links to NOAA Data Buoys here: Rocky River (Buoy 45196) ; Edgewater Beach (Buoy 45205); Cleveland Crib (Buoy 45176)
Webcams
AVON LAKE
This cam, located west of Avon Point, shows Lake conditions in an area exposed to winds and waves from the W and NW, but protected from E and NE. Always compare with the Bay Boat Club cam for a better sense of Lake conditions.
BAY BOAT CLUB
This cam, located east of Avon Point, shows Lake conditions in an area exposed to winds and waves from the E and NE, but protected from W and NW. Always compare with the Avon Lake cam for a better sense of Lake conditions.
EDGEWATER BEACH
A good indication of conditions at Edgewater Beach, Cleveland.