Prairie Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Prairie Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Prairie Lake today is 12.9°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 | 14.9°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 14.9°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 13.6°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 14.1°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 13.9°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 13.5°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 12.5°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 11.7°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 14.0°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 14 | 14.0°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 15 | 14.0°C | 13.1°C | |
| OCT 16 | 14.0°C | 13.1°C | |
| OCT 17 | 14.0°C | 13.2°C | |
| OCT 18 | 14.0°C | 13.2°C | |
| OCT 19 | 14.0°C | 13.3°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 | 2°C | 5°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| April | 1°C | 7°C | 13°C |
| May | 8°C | 14°C | 21°C |
| June | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| July | 21°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| August | 20°C | 25°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 14°C | 19°C |
| November | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
Prairie Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Prairie Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Prairie Lake in northern Wisconsin typically follows the seasonal temperature patterns common to small inland lakes in the region. In spring (April–May) surface temperatures often range from about 45–60°F (7–16°C) as the lake warms after ice-out. Summer (June–August) is when the surface warms most—typical daytime surface temperatures are roughly 68–78°F (20–26°C), sometimes briefly reaching the low 80s°F (27–28°C) on very warm, shallow bays. In early fall (September–October) temperatures decline to around 50–65°F (10–18°C). During winter the lake usually freezes and surface water sits at or just above freezing, near 32°F (0°C), with slightly warmer, near-34–39°F (1–4°C) water beneath the ice.
Swimming is generally possible and commonly done during the warm months where public access points or private shoreline allow entry, because summer surface temperatures are often comfortable for recreational bathing. However, swimming may be limited or unsafe at times due to cold spring and fall water, sudden drops in depth, aquatic vegetation, local water-quality advisories, or algal blooms; in winter the frozen surface prevents conventional swimming. Visitors should check local conditions, follow posted rules, and be mindful of cold-water risks such as hypothermia and cold shock even on warm days.