Chicago Buoy (45198) — Live Marine Conditions & Buoy Data
NOAA station 45198, Chicago Buoy, reports real-time marine conditions from 41.892°N, 87.563°W in Lake Michigan. 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 Chicago Buoy
As of August 21, 2026 at 21:40 UTC, Chicago Buoy (45198) is reporting water temperature 74°F, air temperature 78°F, wave height 1.0 ft at a 2-second dominant period, wind at 11 mph, and barometric pressure 29.94 inHg.
- Water temperature
- 74°F
- Air temperature
- 78°F
- Wave height
- 1.0 ft @ 2 s
- Wind
- 11 mph
- Barometric pressure
- 29.94 inHg
Observed August 21, 2026 at 21:40 UTC from NOAA NDBC station 45198. Readings update about every 10 minutes.
What NOAA buoy 45198 measures
As a NOAA meteorological station, 45198 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
- Where is NOAA buoy 45198 located?
- Chicago Buoy (45198) reports from 41.892°N, 87.563°W in Lake Michigan.
- How often is NOAA buoy 45198 updated?
- Station 45198 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 45198 measure?
- Big Buoy shows wind, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, and wave height and period where available for Chicago Buoy, plus solunar peak windows and a multi-day weather outlook.
- Is Big Buoy free to use?
- Yes. Live data for Chicago Buoy 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.