South Michigan Spotter (45214) — Live Marine Conditions & Buoy Data
NOAA station 45214, South Michigan Spotter, reports real-time marine conditions from 42.674°N, 87.026°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.
Lake Michigan Marine Conditions — South Michigan Spotter is one of several stations in Lake Michigan. See live buoy data and solunar for the whole area.
Current conditions at South Michigan Spotter
As of October 19, 2026 at 19:15 UTC, South Michigan Spotter (45214) is reporting water temperature 62°F and wave height 1.3 ft at a 3-second dominant period.
- Water temperature
- 62°F
- Wave height
- 1.3 ft @ 3 s
Observed October 19, 2026 at 19:15 UTC from NOAA NDBC station 45214. Readings update about every 10 minutes.
What NOAA buoy 45214 measures
As a NOAA meteorological station, 45214 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 water temperature at South Michigan Spotter?
- Sea surface temperature at South Michigan Spotter was 62°F. Measured October 19, 2026 at 19:15 UTC by NOAA station 45214 (South Michigan Spotter). NDBC measures this near the surface, at a depth that varies by station.
- How big are the waves at South Michigan Spotter?
- Significant wave height at South Michigan Spotter was 1.3 ft, with a 3-second dominant period. Measured October 19, 2026 at 19:15 UTC by NOAA station 45214 (South Michigan Spotter). 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 South Michigan Spotter?
- Waves at South Michigan Spotter were arriving from 190° true (S) at the dominant period. Measured October 19, 2026 at 19:15 UTC by NOAA station 45214 (South Michigan Spotter).
- Where is NOAA buoy 45214 located?
- South Michigan Spotter (45214) reports from 42.674°N, 87.026°W in Lake Michigan.
- How often is NOAA buoy 45214 updated?
- Station 45214 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 45214 measure?
- Big Buoy shows wind, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, and wave height and period where available for South Michigan Spotter, plus solunar peak windows and a multi-day weather outlook.
- Is Big Buoy free to use?
- Yes. Live data for South Michigan Spotter 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.