Waukegan Harbor, IL (WHRI2) — Live Marine Conditions & Buoy Data
NOAA station WHRI2, Waukegan Harbor, IL, reports real-time marine conditions from 42.361°N, 87.813°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.
Lake Michigan Marine Conditions — Waukegan Harbor, IL is one of several stations in Lake Michigan. See live buoy data and solunar for the whole area.
Current conditions at Waukegan Harbor, IL
As of August 21, 2026 at 20:00 UTC, Waukegan Harbor, IL (WHRI2) is reporting wind from the S at 9 mph.
- Wind
- S 9 mph
Observed August 21, 2026 at 20:00 UTC from NOAA NDBC station WHRI2. Readings update about every 10 minutes.
What NOAA buoy WHRI2 measures
As a NOAA meteorological station, WHRI2 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 WHRI2 located?
- Waukegan Harbor, IL (WHRI2) reports from 42.361°N, 87.813°W in Lake Michigan (Illinois).
- How often is NOAA buoy WHRI2 updated?
- Station WHRI2 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 WHRI2 measure?
- Big Buoy shows wind, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, and wave height and period where available for Waukegan Harbor, IL, plus solunar peak windows and a multi-day weather outlook.
- Is Big Buoy free to use?
- Yes. Live data for Waukegan Harbor, 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.