Drift Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Drift Reservoir, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Drift Reservoir today is 10°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 47°F (8°C) to 50°F (10°C). This is still cool water, suitable only for experienced swimmers or those accustomed to cold water. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but not recommended for prolonged periods. Extra caution should be taken during extended exposure, as the cold water can cause heat loss and lead to hypothermia. For added comfort, special clothing 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 28 | 10.9°C | 11.0°C | |
| OCT 29 | 10.9°C | 11.0°C | |
| OCT 30 | 10.7°C | 11.0°C | |
| OCT 31 | 10.4°C | 11.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 10.3°C | 8.6°C | |
| NOV 2 | 10.1°C | 8.6°C | |
| NOV 3 | 10.0°C | 8.6°C | |
| NOV 4 | 10.0°C | 8.6°C | |
| NOV 5 | 8.6°C | 9.9°C | |
| NOV 6 | 8.6°C | 9.9°C | |
| NOV 7 | 8.6°C | 9.8°C | |
| NOV 8 | 8.6°C | 9.7°C | |
| NOV 9 | 8.6°C | 9.7°C | |
| NOV 10 | 8.6°C | 9.6°C | |
| NOV 11 | 8.6°C | 9.5°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 | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| February | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| March | 5°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| April | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| May | 7°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| June | 14°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| July | 16°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| August | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| September | 12°C | 18°C | 23°C |
| October | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| November | 5°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| December | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
Drift Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location
Drift Reservoir: Weather Forecast
November 5
November 6
November 7
November 8
November 9
Location & Local Information
#Cornwall
Drift Reservoir in north Cornwall is a relatively shallow drinking-water impoundment, so its water temperatures follow the mild regional climate. Typical seasonal surface temperatures range from about 4–8 °C (39–46 °F) in winter, rising to 6–12 °C (43–54 °F) during spring. In the warmest months surface readings commonly reach 12–18 °C (54–64 °F), and autumn sees cooling back toward 8–12 °C (46–54 °F). These figures can vary with weather, depth and wind, with colder conditions below the surface even on warm days.
Open-water swimming at Drift is generally not permitted for safety and water-quality reasons, since the reservoir supplies local drinking water and there are hazards such as cold stratified layers and submerged structures. Visitors instead use marked paths for walking, birdwatching and permitted coarse fishing in designated areas. The surrounding countryside offers other attractions within easy reach, including Bodmin Moor’s hiking routes, nearby rivers and woodland walks, and the north Cornwall coast with its beaches and coastal villages for supervised or leisure swimming.