Chicago, Illinois – Relief from the oppressive heat is on the way for Illinois, but it comes with new hazards—especially along Lake Michigan beaches. A powerful cold front moving in Wednesday afternoon will drop temperatures but stir up dangerous swim conditions across the Chicagoland area.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the heat index will hover between 100–110°F Monday and Tuesday, particularly away from the lake. Thunderstorms, some strong with damaging winds, are possible Tuesday morning, mainly in far northern Illinois.
By Wednesday afternoon, cooler air and gusty winds will sweep in from the northwest, leading to high waves and life-threatening rip currents at beaches. Temperatures will fall into the mid-70s across the region, with humidity levels also dropping.
Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water Wednesday and Thursday due to hazardous currents and building waves. Inland, the cooldown will bring some relief for those without air conditioning, but drivers should still stay weather-aware as lingering storms may reduce visibility and impact morning commutes.
Conditions will begin to stabilize by Thursday evening, though alerts for dangerous swimming may remain in place through late week.
🌤 Illinois 5-Day Forecast: July 28–August 1
- Monday: High 90–94°F | Low 73–76°F | Heat Index up to 110°F | Partly cloudy, humid
- Tuesday: High 86–94°F | Low 67–72°F | AM storms (30%) | Heat Index up to 105°F
- Wednesday: High 75–84°F | Low 59–67°F | Cooler | PM storms, dangerous beach conditions
- Thursday: High 73–78°F | Low 55–64°F | Cloudy | Risky swim conditions continue
- Friday: Highs mid-70s | Mostly clear | Lower humidity, calmer lake conditions expected
