Chicago, Illinois – A line of strong thunderstorms is set to push into Chicago Tuesday afternoon, bringing a spike in both rain and risk for anyone near the lakefront. With temperatures climbing to 85°F, residents will want to keep an eye on the sky and avoid swimming at Lake Michigan beaches, where 4- to 6-foot waves and dangerous currents are expected to last through Tuesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service, a 20% chance of thunderstorms will arrive after 1 p.m. Tuesday, growing in strength and coverage by late afternoon. Storms may bring torrential downpours, gusty winds, and localized flooding. North winds, gusting up to 20 mph, will make swimming life-threatening, especially near Chicago’s popular beaches and along Lake Shore Drive. Officials urge everyone to stay out of the water and off piers and breakwalls. Check cpdbeaches.com for the latest swim advisories.
As storms threaten travel across Cook County, motorists on Lake Shore Drive and major city routes should expect wet roads and reduced visibility after 1 p.m. Tuesday. Residents are urged to charge phones, monitor alerts, and avoid unnecessary trips near the lakefront or flooded intersections.
The hazardous swim conditions continue into Wednesday, while another round of scattered thunderstorms is likely. Expect mostly sunny skies and a slight chance of storms Wednesday, with highs near 78°F. The trend turns warmer and drier late week, with Thursday through Saturday mostly sunny and highs climbing toward the upper 80s by the weekend.
Five-Day Chicago Forecast (Tuesday, July 8 – Saturday, July 13):
- Tuesday: Chance of thunderstorms after 1 p.m., high near 85°F.
- Wednesday: Slight chance of storms, mostly sunny, high near 78°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 77°F.
- Friday: Showers and thunderstorms possible, high near 72°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 86°F.
