The following surf report and forecasting resources are meant to make it a little easier. The report is updated periodically and gives a general overview of the forecasted conditions for Lake Michigan, and the wind and wave maps and models are some of the most vital in a dedicated Lake surfer’s online arsenal. Yet, the joy is in the journey and the discoveries along the way, and no one is going to hand it to you on a silver platter. It takes time and perseverance to find good surf in the Great Lakes, but when you do, it makes it all worthwhile!

Lake Michigan Surf Forecast for the week of Monday, May 5 

SYNOPSIS

Calm conditions start the week with light winds and no surf. However, there is a good possibility of a front pushing through by mid to late week with strong north winds and fun waves expected. Then,  possibly another small north push by late this to early next week.

MONDAY: Light south winds become variable overnight. No surf.

TUESDAY: Light and variable winds continue. Flat, calm seas - great time for a stand up paddle.

WEDNESDAY: South winds pick up into the 15-20 knot range ahead of an approaching front. Not quite enough push for a small swell due to the cold water, warm air phenomenon.

THURSDAY: Winds go north by the early morning hours and build into the 25+ knot range by late afternoon as they veer toward the northeast. The swell should build through the day with the wind and easily get into the head high+ range by afternoon at south end beaches.

FRIDAY: Strong north winds begin to fade through the morning and are light by late in the day. Waves should be in the head high range early and come down through the day.

SATURDAY: Winds back to the south and stay light. No surf.

SUNDAY: Another little push from the north is expected with winds in the 15 knot range and waves knee to waist high.

Text Forecasts

NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Open Lake and Nearshore text Forecasts are a 5 day synopsis and outlook on wind and wave conditions in the Great Lakes. Like any other forecast, it is most accurate in the short term (1 day), and least accurate in the long term (5 days). Used in conjunction with the tools below, a fairly accurate idea of forecasted conditions can be found.

	Great Lakes (Open Lake) Forecasts GLFSL St. Lawrence 0300z1 0900z1 1500z1 2100z1 GLFLO Lake Ontario 0300z1 0900z1 1500z1 2100z1 GLFLE Lake Erie 0300z1 0900z1 1500z1 2100z1 GLFSC Lake St. Clair 0300z1 0900z1 1500z1 2100z1 GLFLH Lake Huron 0300z1 0900z1 1500z1 2100z1 GLFLM Lake Michigan 0300z1 0900z1 1500z1 2100z1 GLFLS Lake Superior 0300z1 0900z1 1500z1 2100z1 1 Issued 1 hour earlier during daylight savings.

	Great Lakes Nearshore Marine Forecasts NSHBUF Buffalo,NY 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHCLE Cleveland,OH 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHDTX Detroit/Pontiac,MI 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHAPX Gaylord, MI 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHGRR Grand Rapids,MI 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHIWX Northern Indiana,IN 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHLOT Chicago,IL 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHMKX Milwaukee/Sullivan,WI 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHGRB Green Bay,WI 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHMQT Marquette,MI 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 NSHDLH Duluth,MN 0400z1 1000z1 1600z1 2200z1 Normally issued during period of Savings Time ~April through December only.  1 Issued 1 hour earlier during daylight savings.