Chicago, Illinois – Hazy skies and cooler temperatures are settling in across northern Illinois, but swimmers should beware: a high swim risk remains in effect along southern Lake Michigan beaches through Friday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, dry weather will dominate the forecast into early next week, though a few isolated sprinkles may fall north of I-80 tonight and Friday. Temperatures will remain mild, ranging from the low 70s to low 80s during the day, with overnight lows dipping into the 50s and 60s. Lingering wildfire smoke continues to reduce visibility and may impact sensitive groups, especially during outdoor activities.
The haze—driven by smoke from wildfires across Canada and the Western U.S.—is expected to linger through at least Sunday. Cities including Waukegan, Rockford, and Aurora may see brief sprinkles Friday morning, but widespread rain is not expected.
Swimmers and beachgoers should use extreme caution along Lake Michigan, particularly near rip current-prone zones. The National Weather Service advises avoiding swimming where red flags are posted and staying near lifeguarded areas.
The calmer, drier pattern will persist into early next week, but forecasters warn that any shift in wind patterns could intensify the smoke and haze levels again.
Five-Day Forecast:
- Friday: Hazy, isolated sprinkles north of I-80, high 73–77°F / low 50–67°F
- Saturday: Partly cloudy, continued haze, high 75–80°F / low 53–67°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, warm and dry, high 76–81°F / low 56–69°F
- Monday: Partly sunny, warmer, high 79–84°F / low 60–70°F
- Tuesday: Increasing clouds, potential storm chance late, high near 85°F
