Wilmette Buoy, IL (45174) — Live Marine Conditions & Buoy Data
NOAA station 45174, Wilmette Buoy, IL, reports real-time marine conditions from 42.135°N, 87.655°W in Lake Michigan (Illinois). Readings refresh roughly every 10 minutes, and Big Buoy adds a solunar table and a multi-day weather outlook for the area.
Current conditions at Wilmette Buoy, IL
As of October 19, 2026 at 20:10 UTC, Wilmette Buoy, IL (45174) is reporting air temperature 60°F, wave height 1.0 ft at a 2-second dominant period, wind from the E at 11 mph gusting 13 mph, and barometric pressure 30.45 inHg.
- Air temperature
- 60°F
- Wave height
- 1.0 ft @ 2 s
- Wind
- E 11 mph (gust 13)
- Barometric pressure
- 30.45 inHg
Observed October 19, 2026 at 20:10 UTC from NOAA NDBC station 45174. Readings update about every 10 minutes.
What NOAA buoy 45174 measures
As a NOAA meteorological station, 45174 reports wind speed, gusts and direction, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, and — where wave sensors are fitted — significant wave height, swell period, and wave direction.
What to watch in Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan’s long north-south axis lets a sustained northerly or southerly wind build large, steep seas over its full fetch, sometimes within hours. Summer stratification is sharp and wind-driven upwelling can swing nearshore water temperature 15–20°F in a day, so watch wind direction and buoy temperatures together.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the air temperature at Wilmette Buoy?
- Air temperature at Wilmette Buoy was 60°F. Measured October 19, 2026 at 20:10 UTC by NOAA station 45174 (Wilmette Buoy, IL).
- What is the wind doing at Wilmette Buoy?
- Wind at Wilmette Buoy was from the E at 11 mph, with peak gusts to 13 mph. Measured October 19, 2026 at 20:10 UTC by NOAA station 45174 (Wilmette Buoy, IL). NDBC records wind at the station’s anemometer height, which is not the 10 m height used in marine forecasts.
- How big are the waves at Wilmette Buoy?
- Significant wave height at Wilmette Buoy was 1.0 ft, with a 2-second dominant period. Measured October 19, 2026 at 20:10 UTC by NOAA station 45174 (Wilmette Buoy, IL). Significant wave height is the average of the highest one-third of waves — individual waves can be larger.
- Which direction are the waves coming from at Wilmette Buoy?
- Waves at Wilmette Buoy were arriving from 148° true (SSE) at the dominant period. Measured October 19, 2026 at 20:10 UTC by NOAA station 45174 (Wilmette Buoy, IL).
- What is the barometric pressure at Wilmette Buoy?
- Sea-level pressure at Wilmette Buoy was 30.45 inHg (1031.3 hPa). Measured October 19, 2026 at 20:10 UTC by NOAA station 45174 (Wilmette Buoy, IL). NDBC reports pressure reduced to sea level rather than the raw reading at the station.
- Where is NOAA buoy 45174 located?
- Wilmette Buoy, IL (45174) reports from 42.135°N, 87.655°W in Lake Michigan (Illinois).
- How often is NOAA buoy 45174 updated?
- Station 45174 typically reports new observations about every 10 minutes. Big Buoy refreshes continuously so you always see the latest readings, alongside a solunar table for the area.
- What does NOAA buoy 45174 measure?
- Big Buoy shows wind, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, and wave height and period where available for Wilmette Buoy, IL, plus solunar peak windows and a multi-day weather outlook.
- Is Big Buoy free to use?
- Yes. Live data for Wilmette Buoy, IL and every other NOAA buoy is free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.