Chicago, Illinois – Choppy waters and sudden wind gusts could challenge boaters and swimmers across southern Lake Michigan, including the Chicago shoreline, through early Tuesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, winds behind a passing outflow boundary have shifted westerly and may gust as high as 25 knots until at least 1 p.m. This pattern is bringing isolated to scattered showers, especially from Winthrop Harbor south through Gary and Michigan City. Boaters should expect briefly higher waves and rapidly changing conditions, particularly just offshore from Chicago’s harbors and popular beaches.
The sudden wind shift could impact small craft, kayakers, and swimmers along the Illinois and northwest Indiana shorelines. The strongest gusts are expected between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., affecting recreational traffic between Wilmette Harbor and Burns Harbor. Briefly higher waves could also reach nearshore areas, increasing the risk for inexperienced boaters or those in smaller vessels.
Anyone heading out today should check vessel safety equipment, secure loose items, and wear a life jacket. Swimmers are urged to stay near lifeguard stations and watch for rapid wave changes. Winds are expected to ease and shift back to a lighter southerly or southeasterly direction by late afternoon, but local authorities may update advisories if conditions persist.
