Chicago, Illinois – Northern Illinois will enjoy one more seasonably warm day Tuesday before a cooler pattern settles into the region, but anyone planning to visit Lake Michigan should be aware that dangerous swimming conditions are expected to develop by Tuesday evening and continue into early Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, afternoon temperatures Tuesday will climb into the 80 to 86-degree range across much of northern Illinois, with a slight chance of light showers developing near the Lake Michigan shoreline during the afternoon and evening. While most inland locations will remain dry, communities closer to the lake could see brief showers.
The more significant concern is along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where increasing waves and currents will create a high swim risk beginning Tuesday evening. Beaches in Chicago, Evanston, Waukegan and northwest Indiana could experience dangerous rip currents and structural currents capable of pulling even experienced swimmers away from shore. Officials advise staying out of the water and following all posted beach advisories.
By Wednesday, cooler northeast winds will hold lakeshore temperatures in the upper 60s to lower 70s, while inland communities remain somewhat warmer. The cooler, less humid pattern is expected to continue through the second half of the workweek.
Residents and visitors should monitor local beach conditions before heading to the shoreline and avoid entering the water where red flags or swim advisories are posted. Additional lakefront advisories could be issued as hazardous swimming conditions persist into early Thursday.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
- Tuesday: Partly sunny with a slight chance of light showers near Lake Michigan. High 80–86°F, Low 55–63°F. High swim risk develops Tuesday evening.
- Wednesday: Cooler near the lake with a high swim risk continuing. High 67–71°F, Low 52–61°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 74–77°F, Low 58–63°F.
- Friday: Partly cloudy. High 76–81°F, Low 58–64°F.
- Saturday: Partly cloudy and warmer. High 81–86°F, Low 63–69°F.
