I've been checking the weather forecast for the past 10 days for my trip starting on this Saturday. The rain forecast has changed every day...I know for sure I'll see variable weather conditions but the temperature forecast looks stable.

db wrote on May 27^th, 2015 at 8:41pm:


or this

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intrepid_camper wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2015 at 8:17pm:


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If you bring a satellite phone or Delorme InReach, you can get a text message forecast sent to you each day from:  (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I bring a S.A.M.E weather radio (most of the time). Some of the best instructions I've read and try to practice is noting the wind direction and cloud formations (temps are in there too if I'm noting them) from this site. I am not always able to get it right but it helps to be able to anticipate weather changes. Agree with everyone's general take here that the weather is changeable and planning for just about anything is prudent.

i also print out a couple sources of weather before i go. i too use wunderground! i also use scoutlook. its an app for smartphones but can also be viewed online. i think its one of the best apps out there.

im also not big on surprises, so i check both the wisconsin and minnesota road construction reports prior to leaving also. its hit or miss on if i can find anything on highway 11 in canada, but most of it has been redone already between ft frances and atikokan in the past few years

Since we started paddling Lake Superior I got a marine weather radio. It's been handy in the Q too. Especially in the shoulder seasons. It's probably not for everyone, but it's kind of like GPS's, Spot's, or Fish Finders, etc... once you except it and use it, it sure is nice having one.

I don't take a Fish Finder, but I'm not that much about the fishing. We picked up the Spot for LS paddling too, and it's nice to know it's there.

Just saying they do work, but you probably need a nicer one, i.e. Marine type, not a Radio Shack pocket transistor model for home use. Mine is made for International waters and gets both Canadian and US stations.

I would NEVER pack gear based on ANY weather forecast. I bring clothes/tarps that will work from ice out to the hottest days, which I've seen in Mid-May in the Q more than a few times.

Spent one day paddling on Sturgeon from Jean Crk and the weather was 90+ degrees

This spring, not so much.

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The long-range forecasts are fine, but I learned last September that it's still wise to pack for any and all conditions. Even if that means bringing some things you don't think you'll wear.

When I left home the 10-day was pleasant, mild conditions, right in line with the averages. Two days later I'm in Atikokan, on the eve of my trip, and now the forecast is showing snowflakes and high winds 5 - 7 days out. I managed to acquire a pair of gloves in town, but I could have used some warmer gear that was sitting at home.

This was Nym as we made for the exit - this was a strong north headwind, and cold:

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A couple of years ago I spent a week going from Nym to Sturgeon and back. The weather was pretty calm and sunny, except for one brief but horrendous downpour. That week it always appeared cloudy just to the North. When we got back to the outfitter in Atikokan we learned that it had rained steadily all week.

Thanks for the links, I'll give it a try in about 6 weeks. I've learned to not trust forecasts and to expect just about anything.