Cattail Lake - Marshall — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Cattail Lake - Marshall, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Cattail Lake - Marshall today is 12.4°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 | 14.1°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 13.0°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 12.3°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 13.1°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 12.7°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 11.5°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 11.2°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 11.8°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 11.5°C | 12.4°C | |
| OCT 14 | 11.5°C | 12.3°C | |
| OCT 15 | 11.5°C | 12.3°C | |
| OCT 16 | 11.5°C | 12.2°C | |
| OCT 17 | 11.5°C | 12.2°C | |
| OCT 18 | 11.5°C | 12.1°C | |
| OCT 19 | 11.5°C | 12.1°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 | 6°C | 12°C |
| February | 0°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| March | 0°C | 9°C | 17°C |
| April | 2°C | 11°C | 20°C |
| May | 7°C | 14°C | 21°C |
| June | 14°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| July | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 17°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| October | 5°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 10°C |
| December | 1°C | 7°C | 11°C |
Cattail Lake - Marshall: Water Temperature by Location
Cattail Lake - Marshall: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Cattail Lake near Marshall, South Dakota, behaves like many small prairie lakes: water temperatures swing markedly through the year. In winter the surface is typically at or just above freezing, roughly 32–39°F (0–4°C) underneath any ice. Spring sees a steady rise as snowmelt and warming air push surface readings into the 40–60°F range (4–16°C). By midsummer shallow bays and sunlit areas commonly warm to about 68–78°F (20–26°C), though cooler pockets near springs or deeper spots may stay lower. During autumn the lake cools again, with surface temperatures often dropping through the 50s to the 40s °F (10–7°C) before ice forms.
Swimming at Cattail Lake is generally possible in the warm months when the lake is ice-free and water quality is acceptable, but it is not uniformly supervised. Local authorities or signage may close areas temporarily for safety or health reasons, such as high bacteria counts or cyanobacteria (blue‑green algae) blooms, and shoreline conditions can be variable. Anyone choosing to swim should check current advisories, be mindful of sudden temperature changes in deeper water, and take usual precautions since there may be no lifeguards and underwater hazards or vegetation in some spots.