Crab Orchard Refuge & Devils Kitchen Lake, IL

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Calm water and wooded shoreline at Devils Kitchen Lake in Crab Orchard Refuge
Calm water and wooded shoreline at Devils Kitchen Lake in Crab Orchard Refuge — Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Today’s Forecast:

☀
45°F
High: 55° | Low: 32°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KMWA
Observed at: 6:45 am CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 6 mph | Humidity: 93%
Today:A chance of rain showers after noon. Partly sunny. High near 55, with temperatures falling to around 50 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight:Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday:Mostly sunny. High near 46, with temperatures falling to around 44 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 8 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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Today’s Report:

🥾 Hiking

Good
  80 /100

Good for hiking. High near 46°F. Light wind (12 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 20/100
Not Recommended for hiking. High near 29°F. Temperatures outside comfort limits (29°F).

⛺ Camping

Excellent
  85 /100

Excellent for camping. High near 46°F. Light wind (12 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 20/100
Not Recommended for camping. High near 29°F. Temperatures outside comfort limits (29°F).

⛵ Boating

Not Recommended
  21 /100

Not Recommended for boating. High near 46°F. Breezy winds (12 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (46°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 23/100
Not Recommended for boating. High near 29°F. Temperatures outside comfort limits (29°F).

🛶 Paddling

Not Recommended
  12 /100

Not Recommended for paddling. High near 46°F. Breezy winds (12 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (46°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 23/100
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 29°F. Temperatures outside comfort limits (29°F).

🐟 Fishing

Good
  79 /100

Good for fishing. High near 46°F. Breezy winds (12 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 22/100
Not Recommended for fishing. High near 29°F. Temperatures outside comfort limits (29°F).

About Crab Orchard Refuge & Devils Kitchen Lake

Crab orchard lake, devils kitchen lake, refuge trails, established campgrounds, ramps and marinas create different weather decisions within one practical trip.

Planning an Outing

Begin with wind, no-wake areas, horsepower restrictions, seasonal waterfowl closures, fog, algae, lightning and access restrictions. Check the exact facility notice before committing to this a regulated federal refuge lake system.

Weather Tips

  • Across a regulated federal refuge lake system, compare wind direction with open-water fetch; short, steep waves can build before rain arrives.
  • Before camping at a regulated federal refuge lake system, confirm loops, water service and gate hours with the managing agency.
  • Devils Kitchen has a 10-hp limit and a gas-motor restriction in its southeast section. Watercraft east of Wolf Creek on Crab Orchard Lake are barred October 16 through February 28.
  • The Route 13 bridge work currently closes boating and fishing access beneath the bridges.

Nearby Towns and Areas

  • Crab Orchard Lake
  • Devils Kitchen Lake
  • Wolf Creek
  • Crab Orchard Campground
  • Marion
  • Carbondale

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Move to shore or a short protected trail when wind, waves, flow or access is unsuitable; otherwise, delay campsite setup until warned wind or lightning passes.

7-Day Forecast

☀
45°F
High: 55° | Low: 32°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KMWA
Observed at: 6:45 am CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 6 mph | Humidity: 93%
Thu 🌧
55° 32°
18%
Fri ⛅
46° 26°
0%
Sat ☀
48° 27°
0%
Sun ⛅
52° 29°
1%
Mon ☀
53° 29°
1%
Tue ☀
56° 30°
0%
Wed ☀
60° 36°
0%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

55° Thu 46° Fri 48° Sat 52° Sun 53° Mon 56° Tue 60° Wed

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

32° Thu 26° Fri 27° Sat 29° Sun 29° Mon 30° Tue 36° Wed

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 100 Thu 20 Fri 20 Sat 80 Sun 85 Mon 100 Tue 100 Wed
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: November 12, 2026 8:47 pm CST

Weather by Season

Winter

Freeze-thaw cycles leave shaded parts of this a regulated federal refuge lake system icy while exposed ground softens; verify roads and gates after storms.

Spring

Basin-wide rain can raise water and move debris through this a regulated federal refuge lake system; low access may remain closed after the crest.

Summer

Afternoon wind and lightning can end a water window on this a regulated federal refuge lake system; warm water may also bring advisories.

Fall

Cold water arrives before winter air on this a regulated federal refuge lake system; stronger fronts shorten launch windows and seasonal facilities reduce hours.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Local climate: This local planning area has an annual average temperature about 57–60°F, receives roughly 45–50 inches of precipitation and records usually under 10 inches, with some winters receiving little measurable accumulation.
  • Wettest season: Spring, when thunderstorms and river flooding become more frequent.
  • Driest season: Late summer or early fall.
  • Annual average temperature: About 57–60°f.
  • Annual snowfall: Usually under 10 inches, with some winters receiving little measurable accumulation.