Buffalo, NY Lake Erie Conditions

Live water temperature, waves, and wind for Buffalo Harbor and the far eastern basin.

Updated Nov 13, 8:36 PM ET · Source: NWS Buffalo (no NOAA buoy at this port)

No NOAA buoy at this port. Water temperature and waves come from the NWS Buffalo nearshore marine forecast and wind from the NWS point forecast; see the marine forecast below.
Water Temp
53.6°F
NOAA CO-OPS Buffalo station (9063020)
Water temp details & map →
Wave Height
up to 2 ft
NWS nearshore forecast, zone LEZ041
Wind
NW at 10 mph
NWS point forecast

Buffalo sits at the far eastern end of Lake Erie, where the lake drains into the Niagara River. The shallow water at this end warms and cools fast, and strong southwest winds can pile up steep waves toward the eastern shore. It is a productive smallmouth bass and walleye fishery with easy harbor access.

Get real-time Lake Erie boating and fishing conditions for Buffalo, NY. There is no NOAA buoy on the New York shore, so Lake Erie Pulse uses the National Weather Service Buffalo nearshore marine forecast for Buffalo Harbor and the far eastern basin for waves and water temperature, and the NWS point forecast for wind, so you can check conditions before you launch.

NWS Nearshore Marine Forecast (LEZ041) · tonight

Waves 2 feet or less

Issued 403 PM EST Fri Nov 13 2026

Buffalo, NY Marine Forecast

Tonight
38°
Chance Water Spouts
NW 10 mph
Saturday
46°
Chance Water Spouts
NW 14 mph
Saturday Night
41°
Rain Showers Likely
NW 12 to 15 mph
Sunday
46°
Chance Water Spouts
NW 10 mph

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Hourly forecast, all buoys, radar, and alerts on the interactive conditions map.

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Buffalo, NY Lake Erie Conditions FAQ

What is the Lake Erie water temperature at Buffalo, NY right now?

The latest Lake Erie water temperature near Buffalo, NY is 53.6°F, from the NOAA CO-OPS Buffalo station (9063020). There is no NOAA buoy on the New York shore.

How high are the waves at Buffalo, NY on Lake Erie today?

The NWS nearshore marine forecast for zone LEZ041 calls for waves 2 feet or less tonight, with winds NW at 10 mph. There is no NOAA buoy on the New York shore. Check the forecast and any small craft advisories before boating.

Where does Lake Erie Pulse get conditions for Buffalo, NY?

Conditions for Buffalo, NY come from official sources: the National Weather Service Buffalo nearshore marine forecast for zone LEZ041 (waves and the water temperature off Buffalo) and the NWS point forecast for wind and weather. There is no NOAA buoy on the New York shore.

Conditions at other Lake Erie ports

Lake Erie Conditions FAQ

How often are Lake Erie conditions updated?

Live buoy readings refresh about every 5 minutes and NWS forecasts every 15 minutes, pulled directly from NOAA and the National Weather Service.

Where does the Lake Erie water temperature and wave data come from?

From NOAA's nearshore NDBC buoy network along the lake (stations 45200–45208, plus 45176 and 45167), reported in real time.

What is a Small Craft Advisory on Lake Erie?

The National Weather Service issues a Small Craft Advisory when winds or waves are hazardous to small boats — typically sustained winds around 20–33 knots or waves of about 4 feet or more. Check the Alerts page before heading out.

Can I see conditions for my specific harbor?

Yes — pick your port for a dedicated page with live water temperature, waves, wind, and the marine forecast. Ports range from Toledo and Port Clinton in the west to Cleveland, Fairport, Ashtabula, and Erie, PA in the east.