CHICAGO, Ill. – Strong rip currents and waves topping 6 feet are making swimming along Chicago’s lakefront life-threatening through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Officials warn that even experienced swimmers could face dangerous conditions, with currents expected to intensify overnight.
According to the NWS Chicago office, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect for Lake Michigan beaches in Northern and Central Cook counties. The threat includes popular locations such as Montrose, Oak Street, and North Avenue beaches, where waves and currents will remain hazardous through Thursday.
Authorities are urging swimmers to stay out of the water and avoid piers, jetties, and breakwalls. The Chicago Park District said residents can find up-to-date swim bans and advisories at cpdbeaches.com. Conditions are especially dangerous for inexperienced swimmers and children, with the potential for sudden drop-offs and rip currents pulling people away from shore.
Drivers near the shoreline may also face patchy fog overnight, which could reduce visibility to under a mile away from the lake.
The Beach Hazards Statement stays active until 10 a.m. Thursday, with improved conditions expected later in the week as winds shift.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, IL
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 72. North winds around 15 mph.
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 74. Winds east-northeast 10–15 mph.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 78. Low around 69 at night.
- Saturday: Chance of sprinkles, partly sunny, high near 81.
- Sunday: Sunny, cooler, high near 74. Low around 57 at night.
