Dry Lake Number Two — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Dry Lake Number Two, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Dry Lake Number Two today is 16.8°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 | 19.5°C | 21.3°C | |
| SEP 15 | 18.5°C | 21.3°C | |
| SEP 16 | 18.7°C | 21.3°C | |
| SEP 17 | 17.6°C | 21.3°C | |
| SEP 18 | 16.8°C | 21.3°C | |
| SEP 19 | 17.0°C | 21.3°C | |
| SEP 20 | 16.7°C | 21.3°C | |
| SEP 21 | 16.8°C | 21.3°C | |
| SEP 22 | 21.3°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 23 | 21.3°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 24 | 21.3°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 25 | 21.3°C | 17.7°C | |
| SEP 26 | 21.3°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 27 | 21.3°C | 18.2°C | |
| SEP 28 | 21.3°C | 18.4°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 | 7°C | 12°C |
| February | 1°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| March | 0°C | 9°C | 17°C |
| April | 2°C | 11°C | 20°C |
| May | 7°C | 15°C | 23°C |
| June | 14°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| July | 17°C | 23°C | 29°C |
| August | 19°C | 25°C | 29°C |
| September | 17°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| October | 5°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| November | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| December | 1°C | 5°C | 8°C |
Dry Lake Number Two: Water Temperature by Location
Dry Lake Number Two: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Dry Lake Number Two, like many small prairie lakes in South Dakota, experiences a wide range of surface water temperatures through the year. In spring the water commonly warms from near-freezing after ice-out to roughly 45–65°F (7–18°C) as air temperatures rise. Peak summer conditions often produce the warmest readings, with surface temperatures typically between about 70–82°F (21–28°C) on warm sunny days and occasionally higher in shallow areas during heat waves. By early autumn the lake cools back toward 50–65°F (10–18°C), and in winter it usually reaches around freezing at 32°F (0°C) where ice forms, with colder air able to maintain ice cover until thaw.
Swimming opportunities depend less on a fixed prohibition and more on local access, water quality and safety conditions. In warm months people can and do swim when surface temperatures are comfortable, but there are often no formal lifeguards, maintained beaches or facilities at small prairie lakes, and ownership or county rules may restrict contact recreation. Algal blooms, vegetation, soft muddy bottoms and fluctuating water levels can make swimming inadvisable at times, so visitors should check local signage, water clarity and official guidance before entering the water and always consider personal safety and hypothermia risk even on warm days.