Friday Night-Saturday, September 18-19: Small Craft Conditions May Develop Near Sheboygan
Sheboygan, WI — September 17, 2026. Small-craft conditions may develop in the Lake Michigan nearshore waters from Sheboygan to Port Washington beginning Friday night, September 18, as winds increase and waves build.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan nearshore marine forecast issued at 11:10 a.m. CDT Thursday, September 17, calls for northeast winds of 15 to 25 knots Friday night, rain showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Waves are expected to build from 3 to 5 feet to 7 to 9 feet, with the largest increase after midnight into early Saturday, September 19.
The forecast says a Small Craft Advisory may be needed. The NWS has not confirmed an active advisory in the information used for this report, so boaters should check for later updates before departing.
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7-Day Weather Forecast
What the forecast means near Sheboygan
Boaters, anglers and charter operators using the nearshore zone within five nautical miles of shore should check the latest marine forecast and advisory status before launching or departing. Conditions may become difficult for smaller boats as winds strengthen and waves rise.
People planning shoreline activities near Sheboygan County should also be prepared for rougher water, rain showers and changing conditions. This marine forecast applies to Lake Michigan nearshore waters, not automatically to Sheboygan County roads, schools, beaches or inland events.
More unsettled weather expected into Saturday
The NWS hazardous weather outlook issued at 6:52 a.m. CDT Thursday, September 17, says additional Small Craft Advisory conditions are expected Friday night into the beginning of next week. The outlook also calls for widespread thunderstorms from Friday evening into Saturday.
Marine conditions can change with later updates. Check the NWS nearshore forecast and any active advisory before leaving shore on Friday night, September 18, or Saturday, September 19.
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