Alkaline Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Alkaline Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Alkaline Lake today is 12.3°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 13.6°C | 10.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 12.6°C | 10.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 12.6°C | 10.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 13.1°C | 10.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 12.4°C | 10.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 11.6°C | 10.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 11.2°C | 10.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 12.0°C | 10.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 10.0°C | 12.2°C | |
| OCT 14 | 10.0°C | 12.1°C | |
| OCT 15 | 10.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 16 | 10.0°C | 11.8°C | |
| OCT 17 | 10.0°C | 11.7°C | |
| OCT 18 | 10.0°C | 11.6°C | |
| OCT 19 | 10.0°C | 11.5°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| February | 0°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| March | 0°C | 9°C | 17°C |
| April | 1°C | 11°C | 20°C |
| May | 6°C | 14°C | 21°C |
| June | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| July | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 15°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| October | 5°C | 10°C | 15°C |
| November | 4°C | 7°C | 9°C |
| December | 1°C | 5°C | 8°C |
Alkaline Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Alkaline Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Alkaline lakes in North Dakota are shallow prairie basins with higher-than-normal pH and mineral content; their water temperatures vary strongly with the seasons because of shallow depth and continental climate. In spring surface temperatures typically rise from about 40–60 °F (4–15 °C) as ice melts, while summer surface temperatures commonly reach 60–80 °F (15–27 °C) on warm days and can occasionally climb a bit higher in very shallow, sun-warmed areas. In autumn the water cools back to roughly 40–60 °F (4–15 °C) and in winter these lakes often ice over with surface temperatures at or just below freezing, roughly 28–34 °F (−2–1 °C) under ice.
Swimming in or around an alkaline lake is therefore conditional rather than universally recommended. When summer surface temperatures are in the 60–80 °F (15–27 °C) range, people can physically swim, but high alkalinity and dissolved minerals can irritate skin and eyes, affect buoyancy and water clarity, and give water an unpleasant taste or odor. Additionally, many alkali basins sit on private land or wildlife management areas with restricted access or limited facilities, so local rules, signage and water-quality advisories should be checked before entering the water.