Big Rice Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Big Rice Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Big Rice Lake today is 17.1°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 14 | 18.0°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 15 | 17.8°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 16 | 16.9°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 17 | 16.5°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 18 | 16.6°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 19 | 17.0°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 20 | 16.4°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 22 | 19.5°C | 17.2°C | |
| SEP 23 | 19.5°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 24 | 19.5°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 25 | 19.5°C | 17.6°C | |
| SEP 26 | 19.5°C | 17.7°C | |
| SEP 27 | 19.5°C | 17.8°C | |
| SEP 28 | 19.5°C | 17.9°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 | 1°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| April | 1°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| May | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| June | 15°C | 21°C | 27°C |
| July | 19°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| August | 21°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| September | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| October | 6°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 7°C |
Big Rice Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Big Rice Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Big Rice Lake in Minnesota follows the seasonal temperature patterns typical of midwestern lakes. In spring the surface water is cold, often ranging from about 34–55°F (1–13°C) as ice melts and the lake mixes. By summer the lake commonly warms to a more comfortable 65–78°F (18–26°C), and on warm, calm days surface readings can approach the low 80s°F (around 27–28°C) in shallow bays. Fall brings cooling waters, typically in the 45–60°F (7–16°C) range as air temperatures drop and the lake begins to turnover. In winter the surface usually freezes and subsurface temperatures sit near the maximum density range of roughly 32–39°F (0–4°C) beneath the ice.
Swimming is generally allowed at Big Rice Lake where public access points, resorts, or private shorelines permit it, and most recreational swimming takes place in summer when water temperatures are comfortable and hypothermia risk is low. Outside the warm months swimming is not advisable because cold water presents a risk of cold shock and rapid loss of body heat, and winter conditions involve ice that makes open-water swimming dangerous. Local water-quality advisories, blue-green algae alerts, posted rules or lack of lifeguards can also affect whether swimming is advisable at a particular time or location.