Priest Rapids Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Priest Rapids Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Priest Rapids Lake today is 24.6°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 75°F (23°C) to 79°F (26°C). This is a very comfortable temperature for swimming, and many people can enjoy prolonged stays in the water without feeling cold. The water is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for relaxation and water sports. This temperature range is particularly popular among tourists, as it combines comfort and safety for health. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUN 23 | 25.6°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUN 24 | 25.6°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUN 25 | 25.6°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUN 26 | 25.6°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUN 27 | 25.8°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUN 28 | 25.7°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUN 29 | 24.8°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUN 30 | 24.6°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUL 1 | 23.5°C | 24.5°C | |
| JUL 2 | 23.5°C | 24.5°C | |
| JUL 3 | 23.5°C | 24.4°C | |
| JUL 4 | 23.5°C | 24.4°C | |
| JUL 5 | 23.5°C | 24.3°C | |
| JUL 6 | 23.5°C | 24.3°C | |
| JUL 7 | 23.5°C | 24.2°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 | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| April | 3°C | 10°C | 16°C |
| May | 7°C | 15°C | 24°C |
| June | 14°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| July | 19°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| August | 21°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| September | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| October | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| November | 5°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 8°C |
Priest Rapids Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Priest Rapids Lake: Weather Forecast
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Location & Local Information
Priest Rapids Lake, a reservoir on the Columbia River in central Washington, experiences marked seasonal variation in surface water temperature. In winter months surface values commonly sit around 35–45°F (2–7°C), while spring warms to roughly 45–60°F (7–16°C). Peak summer surface temperatures often reach about 65–78°F (18–26°C) in sheltered, shallow areas, and by fall the surface cools back to roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C). These figures refer to surface conditions; deeper water and areas influenced by dam releases can remain substantially colder year-round because of stratification and cold water drawn from lower reservoir levels.
Swimming is generally permitted in designated recreation areas along the reservoir and at nearby state and local parks, but caution is advised. Cold water, sudden drop-offs, boat traffic, submerged hazards and changing currents around the dam and navigation channels create safety risks, and some sites lack lifeguards. Because temperature can be deceptively low below the surface, even summer swimming carries a risk of cold-water shock and hypothermia in prolonged exposure. Visitors should choose marked swimming beaches, obey posted restrictions, check local conditions, and use flotation devices when appropriate.