South Michigan Spotter - Live Wave Heights & Surf Conditions

Charts

Track real-time wave heights from the South Michigan Spotter buoy (Station 45214) serving Michigan. View live swell data, wave periods, wind direction, and ocean conditions now — essential for surfers, mariners, and forecasters.

Current Conditions

Last updated: 1/27/2026, 2:00:00 PM

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About South Michigan Spotter Buoy

The South Michigan Spotter buoy is part of the NOAA National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) network. It continuously measures swell height, wave period, direction, and marine weather for mariners near Michigan. This data supports safe navigation, surf forecasting, weather modeling, and coastal research around Michigan.

Operations are handled by a U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) regional partner, supporting coastal navigation, ecosystem health, and science.

Data Applications

  • Surfers: Track swell height, period, and direction to time sessions and compare nearby breaks.
  • Mariners: Monitor sea state and wave energy for safer transits and offshore operations.
  • Weather forecasters: Analyze storm-driven waves and ocean-atmosphere interactions for regional forecasts.
  • Researchers: Study long-term wave climate trends, coastal erosion, and renewable energy potential.

Station Info

Station ID
45214
Location
42.674°N, 87.026°W
Data Sources
NDBC
Program
IOOS Partners
Type
buoy

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