CHICAGO, Ill. – Strong easterly winds are keeping Lake Michigan rough this morning, creating life-threatening currents and high waves along Chicago-area beaches. Officials warn swimmers to stay out of the water until at least 1 p.m. Thursday as conditions remain dangerous.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, waves are peaking between 3 and 5 feet, creating hazardous rip currents from the Indiana Dunes up through northern Illinois shoreline communities. While conditions are expected to gradually improve this afternoon, forecasters say wave heights will likely stay above 2 feet into the evening, maintaining risks for swimmers and boaters.
Lifeguards and beach safety teams across Cook County and Northwest Indiana are urging residents to obey posted warnings, avoid breakwalls and piers, and remain out of the water until advisories are lifted. The high swim risk comes at a time when late-summer crowds are expected at city beaches.
Authorities stress that rip currents can quickly overwhelm even experienced swimmers. Residents planning to visit the shoreline should exercise caution and monitor updates from the weather service and local officials.
