Braidwood Power Plant Cooling Pond — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Braidwood Power Plant Cooling Pond, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Braidwood Power Plant Cooling Pond today is 10.6°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used. 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 26 | 14.3°C | 16.0°C | |
| OCT 27 | 13.9°C | 16.0°C | |
| OCT 28 | 13.6°C | 16.0°C | |
| OCT 29 | 12.3°C | 16.0°C | |
| OCT 30 | 13.3°C | 16.0°C | |
| OCT 31 | 13.6°C | 16.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 12.4°C | 8.5°C | |
| NOV 2 | 10.6°C | 8.5°C | |
| NOV 3 | 8.5°C | 10.5°C | |
| NOV 4 | 8.5°C | 10.4°C | |
| NOV 5 | 8.5°C | 10.3°C | |
| NOV 6 | 8.5°C | 10.2°C | |
| NOV 7 | 8.5°C | 10.1°C | |
| NOV 8 | 8.5°C | 10.0°C | |
| NOV 9 | 8.5°C | 9.9°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 | 1°C | 5°C | 7°C |
| February | 1°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| March | 4°C | 11°C | 17°C |
| April | 8°C | 15°C | 21°C |
| May | 13°C | 19°C | 25°C |
| June | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| July | 21°C | 26°C | 31°C |
| August | 24°C | 27°C | 30°C |
| September | 20°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| October | 11°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| November | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
Braidwood Power Plant Cooling Pond: Water Temperature by Location
Braidwood Power Plant Cooling Pond: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
November 8
Location & Local Information
The Lake of the Braidwood Power Plant functions primarily as a cooling reservoir for the nearby generating station, so its temperatures tend to be warmer and more variable than a natural lake. Typical seasonal surface ranges might run roughly 45–70°F (7–21°C) in spring, 70–95°F (21–35°C) in summer where localized spots near discharge points can be hottest, 50–70°F (10–21°C) in autumn as the plant load and ambient air cool, and 33–45°F (1–7°C) through the coldest winter months. These values can fluctuate with plant operating conditions, weather, and depth; deeper water will generally be cooler than the warmed surface near outflows.
Swimming at cooling ponds associated with power plants is generally not permitted or is strongly discouraged for safety and regulatory reasons. Access is often limited by plant security, posted prohibitions, and potential hazards: sudden thermal gradients, warm outflow currents, submerged infrastructure, and water-quality issues such as elevated temperatures that can encourage algal blooms. For those seeking recreational water use in the area, nearby public lakes and reservoirs that are managed for swimming are usually safer and subject to lifeguard and water-quality monitoring; always follow local signage and the plant’s access rules.