Bayview Mackinac Race
Weather Forecast: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Weather Forecast: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
This year's Weather Briefing will be virtual. The primary briefing will be available as a recording on Friday evening followed by a quick update on Saturday morning.
Mid-Range Forecast
Saturday
An active weather pattern is expected for the early part of the Race. On Saturday morning, a mature low pressure system will be located near Lake Superior. The system’s warm front will extend southeast across central Michigan while the accompanying cold front stretches south across Wisconsin and northern Illinois. During the day on Saturday, the low will deepen as it moves to the northeast. As the low moves northeast, the system’s warm front will lift northeast across Lake Huron. In addition, the accompanying cold front will move east toward central Michigan. The passage of the warm front and approach of the cold front will bring showers and thunderstorms to Lake Huron from early Saturday morning through early Sunday morning. The potential for thunderstorms is expected to increase during the day on Saturday. The potential for severe thunderstorms (hail > 1” in diameter, or a gust > 50 knots, or at least one tornado or waterspout) is currently low, but the details will be become clearer as race day approaches.
Please note that thunderstorms are expected on Saturday. The following wind forecast does not include potential winds from thunderstorms.
- Southern Lake Huron: South-southeast at 7 to 12 knots. Slight veering to south-southwest at 7 to 12 knots by early afternoon. Significant wave heights 1 to 3 feet.
- Central Lake Huron: South-southeast at 8 to 13 knots. Slight veering to south by early evening. Significant wave heights 1 to 3 feet.
- Northern Lake Huron: South-southeast at 8 to 13 knots. Veering to south at 8 to 13 knots by early evening. Significant wave heights 1 to 3 feet.
The low pressure system mentioned on Saturday will deepen as it moves toward the northeast on Saturday into Sunday morning. Early Sunday morning, the system’s cold front is expected to be draped across the central basin of Lake Huron. The cold front will sweep across the lake on Sunday morning as the system moves toward the northeast. The approach and passage of the front will bring showers and thunderstorms overnight on Saturday through mid morning on Sunday. The highest potential for showers and thunderstorms will be greatest across the southern half of the lake. Clear skies are expected after mid-morning as high pressure fills in behind the cold front.
Marine
- Southern Lake Huron: West at 7 to 12 knots. Significant wave heights 1 to 3 feet.
- Central Lake Huron: West at 7 to 12 knots. Backing to south at 7 to 12 knots by early evening. Significant wave heights 1 to 3 feet.
- Northern Lake Huron: West at 7 to 12 knots. Backing to southwest at 7 to 12 knots by early evening. Significant wave heights 1 to 3 feet.
Monday
High pressure will govern conditions on Monday. Showers and thunderstorms are not expected.
Marine
- Southern Lake Huron: West at 5 to 10 knots. Backing to south-west at 5 to 10 knots in the afternoon. Significant wave heights 1 to 3 feet.
- Central Lake Huron: Southwest at 8 to 13 knots. Significant wave heights 1 to 3 feet.
- Northern Lake Huron: Southwest at 7 to 12 knots. Significant wave heights 1 to 3 feet.
Bayview Mackinac Race Weather Resources
The user assumes all risk related to the use of this data. The crew of each participating yacht must determine their ability and willingness to accommodate weather-related challenges. Mack participants should monitor the latest National Weather Service forecasts, watches, and warnings and take necessary precautions.