Weather Wizard: Surfing Door County

Ryan Heise riding the waves in Door County. Photo by Ryan Heise.

Like Pavlov’s dog and the dinner bell, the early morning application of sunblock on my face triggers excitement. I know it’s going to be a great day; I’ll be outside. Plus, if the sunblock is applied before sunrise, it usually means one of two things: a long day of fishing, or a surfing excursion. For what other possible reason would a relatively sane person be tiptoeing around a dark, sleeping household, collecting beach gear?

Discovering my first surf break in Door County was a special experience for me. I wasn’t positive that surfable waves existed, but I sure was grateful to discover that they do. My old Florida surf routine is still in place, with a few minor modifications: I no longer shuffle my feet to avoid stingrays, and no longer have moments of panic as a dolphin gets mistaken for a shark. What does remain: the deep stretch session, the paddle-out with controlled breathing, and the expansive freedom of the water. There is also the mental checklist: surfboard, ankle leash, towel, water bottle, and wax, do not forget the wax. What is missing is my surfing wolf pack. I will need to join a new one, and where there are waves there will be surfers. For now, I will relish in the solitude and continue to explore the substantial south facing shores of Door County.

Your weekend forecast:

The timing of cool fronts and high pressure systems have been glorious for Door County this month. Yet again, we can expect a high pressure system to grace us with sunshine, lower humidity and comfortable temperatures this weekend. Forecast models have been questionable lately, as the weather systems have been fairly complex; #itscomplicated. There is a chance of popup thunderstorms on Friday as air rises during the heat of the day. There is chatter about a heatwave arriving late next week as subtropical ridging takes its grip on much of the plains and the Midwest. Friday: Partly sunny high near 72. Saturday: Mostly sunny high near 75. Sunday: Mostly sunny high near 78.

All weather predictions are based in science with information gathered from the National Weather Service, and are subject to change depending on the weather.

Growing up in Michigan, Ryan Heise began keeping a fishing journal detailing the weather conditions at and can still recall his hometown weatherman’s name. His fascination with weather has never wavered and began to heighten when planning surf trips while living in Florida. Now proud to call Door County home along with his wife Mary and dog Ruby, he has found a new fascination with the unique microclimate of Door County.