Burntside Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Burntside Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Burntside Lake today is 16.5°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 | 18.2°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 15 | 18.2°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 16 | 18.1°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 17 | 17.1°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 18 | 16.7°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 19 | 17.3°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 20 | 16.7°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 21 | 16.5°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 22 | 17.3°C | 16.5°C | |
| SEP 23 | 17.3°C | 16.6°C | |
| SEP 24 | 17.3°C | 16.6°C | |
| SEP 25 | 17.3°C | 16.7°C | |
| SEP 26 | 17.3°C | 16.7°C | |
| SEP 27 | 17.3°C | 16.7°C | |
| SEP 28 | 17.3°C | 16.8°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 | 3°C | 6°C |
| February | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| March | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| April | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
| May | 4°C | 10°C | 16°C |
| June | 11°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| July | 14°C | 21°C | 27°C |
| August | 19°C | 25°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 17°C | 21°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| November | 1°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
Burntside Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Burntside Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Burntside Lake, near Ely in northern Minnesota, experiences a wide seasonal swing in surface water temperatures. In spring the surface often ranges from about 32–55°F (0–13°C) as ice melts and the water stratifies. By summer the lake usually warms to roughly 60–75°F (15–24°C) in July and August at the surface in typical years, though shallow bays can heat a few degrees warmer on hot, calm days. In early fall the surface cools again into the 40s–50s°F (4–10°C) as air temperatures drop, and in winter the lake is commonly ice-covered with surface water at or very near freezing around 32°F (0°C), while liquid water beneath the ice generally remains just above freezing.
Recreational swimming is possible and commonly practiced in the open-water months because the lake is accessible from shorelines and camps, but swimmers should be aware of local conditions. There are no widespread lifeguarded beaches, and deeper or shaded areas remain much colder than shallow bays due to thermocline and depth, so cold shock and hypothermia are real hazards even on warm days. In winter, swimming is not feasible where ice is present. As with any northern lake, checking recent local conditions, staying near shore, and using appropriate caution will make swimming safer.