Chippewa Flowage Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Chippewa Flowage Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Chippewa Flowage Lake today is 17.5°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 | 20.1°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 15 | 18.6°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 16 | 18.6°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 17 | 18.6°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 18 | 17.9°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 19 | 18.2°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 20 | 18.2°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 22 | 17.9°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 23 | 17.9°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 24 | 17.9°C | 17.6°C | |
| SEP 25 | 17.9°C | 17.6°C | |
| SEP 26 | 17.9°C | 17.6°C | |
| SEP 27 | 17.9°C | 17.6°C | |
| SEP 28 | 17.9°C | 17.6°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 | 2°C | 5°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
| April | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| May | 7°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| June | 13°C | 17°C | 21°C |
| July | 19°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| August | 18°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| November | 3°C | 8°C | 13°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
Chippewa Flowage Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Chippewa Flowage Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
The Chippewa Flowage in northwest Wisconsin is a large reservoir whose surface temperatures vary substantially through the year. After ice-out in spring, surface water commonly runs about 40–60°F (4–16°C) as the lake slowly warms. Peak summer surface temperatures in July and August often reach roughly 65–78°F (18–26°C) in shallower bays and nearshore areas, though deeper or wind-exposed parts can stay cooler. By early fall the lake cools to roughly 45–62°F (7–17°C), and through winter the surface is typically at or just above freezing beneath ice cover, about 33–39°F (0.5–4°C). Temperatures vary locally with depth, wind, sunlight and proximity to inlets or the dam, so conditions at a particular access point may differ from the general ranges above.
Swimming is generally permitted because the Flowage is public water, and many visitors swim from shore, boats or campsites. There are no widespread lifeguarded beaches, however, and swimmers should be cautious: submerged stumps and vegetation, fluctuating water levels, limited visibility, and cold-water shock (especially outside mid-summer) present real hazards. For safer swimming choose shallow, sheltered areas on warm days, wear a life jacket when boating to a swim spot, and avoid entering very cold or ice-covered water.