Chicago, Illinois – Beachgoers in northern Illinois are being urged to stay out of Lake Michigan through Friday morning as waves up to 7 feet and life-threatening rip currents create hazardous swimming and boating conditions along the southern shoreline.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a high swim risk is in effect for areas from Waukegan to New Buffalo, including Evanston, Chicago, Gary, and Chesterton. The warning, issued early Thursday, cites dangerous surf and strong currents that could sweep even experienced swimmers off their feet.
Communities along the lakefront have posted warnings at beaches, and officials are asking residents to obey all closures. Conditions are especially dangerous near piers, breakwalls, and lakeshore trails where waves can crash over unexpectedly.
Thursday will also bring unseasonably cool temperatures in the 70s, but warmer, more humid weather is expected to return by the weekend, along with renewed chances for thunderstorms and flash flooding—particularly south of I-80 on Saturday.
The swim risk is expected to ease by midday Friday, but additional beach hazard alerts are possible if lake conditions remain unstable.
