Chicago, Illinois – Beachgoers along Lake Michigan’s southern shoreline are being urged to stay out of the water through Friday morning due to hazardous conditions. Waves reaching up to 7 feet and life-threatening rip currents are creating dangerous swimming and boating conditions. The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a high swim risk for areas from Waukegan to New Buffalo, including Evanston, Chicago, Gary, and Chesterton. This warning, issued early Thursday, highlights the strong surf and currents that could pose a danger, even for experienced swimmers.
Communities along the lakefront have posted warnings at beaches, urging residents to heed all closures. The most dangerous areas are near piers, breakwalls, and lakeshore trails, where waves can unexpectedly crash over, creating a significant risk to anyone nearby. Officials are emphasizing the importance of avoiding these areas, particularly for those who may not be familiar with the strong currents in the lake.
While Thursday will bring unseasonably cool temperatures in the 70s, warmer, more humid weather is expected to return by the weekend. The warmer temperatures will be accompanied by renewed chances for thunderstorms and flash flooding, especially south of I-80 on Saturday.
The high swim risk is expected to ease by midday Friday, but beachgoers should remain cautious, as further beach hazard alerts are possible if the lake conditions remain unstable.
