Petenwell Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Petenwell Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Petenwell Lake today is 19.1°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 65°F (18°C) to 68°F (20°C). This is already quite warm water, which is ideal for most people. Swimming becomes comfortable, and prolonged stays in the water do not cause discomfort. This temperature is perfect for family trips and for those who prefer warmer water. It is also comfortable for water sports such as surfing or swimming. 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 | 21.0°C | 18.5°C | |
| SEP 15 | 20.2°C | 18.5°C | |
| SEP 16 | 19.7°C | 18.5°C | |
| SEP 17 | 20.1°C | 18.5°C | |
| SEP 18 | 19.7°C | 18.5°C | |
| SEP 19 | 19.8°C | 18.5°C | |
| SEP 20 | 19.9°C | 18.5°C | |
| SEP 21 | 19.1°C | 18.5°C | |
| SEP 22 | 18.5°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 23 | 18.5°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 24 | 18.5°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 25 | 18.5°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 26 | 18.5°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 27 | 18.5°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 28 | 18.5°C | 18.9°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 | 1°C | 3°C |
| February | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| April | 1°C | 8°C | 16°C |
| May | 5°C | 13°C | 21°C |
| June | 15°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| July | 19°C | 24°C | 29°C |
| August | 17°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| October | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| November | 2°C | 8°C | 14°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
Petenwell Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Petenwell Lake: Weather Forecast
September 21
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Petenwell Lake, a large reservoir on the Wisconsin River, experiences distinct seasonal water temperatures. In spring the surface commonly ranges from about 45–65°F (7–18°C) as warming begins; summer surface temperatures often climb into the 70–80°F (21–27°C) band on warm, calm days, though sheltered bays may be a few degrees warmer and deeper areas remain cooler. During autumn the lake typically cools to roughly 55–70°F (13–21°C) before ice formation brings surface temperatures down to near freezing in winter, around 32°F (0°C) or lower where ice is present. Local weather, depth and wind can cause significant short-term variation in these averages.
Swimming is permitted at Petenwell in many public access areas, but conditions and amenities vary and most sites are not lifeguarded. Recreational swimming is popular in summer because surface temperatures reach comfortable levels, yet users should be cautious about boat traffic, submerged hazards and abrupt depth changes common in reservoirs. Periodic water-quality concerns, such as nuisance algal blooms, can occasionally lead authorities to advise against swimming; checking current advisories and exercising common-sense safety practices is recommended before entering the water.