The National Weather Service in Chicago issued a hazard statement for Chicago-area beaches Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, warning of high waves and “life-threatening currents.”
“Hazardous swimming conditions are expected this afternoon into Thursday morning,” the NWS said in a tweet. “Strong onshore winds behind a cold front will generate waves of 3 to 6 feet along the southern shores of Lake Michigan.”
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Hazardous swimming conditions are expected this afternoon into Thursday morning. Strong onshore winds behind a cold front will generate waves of 3 to 6 feet along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Stay dry when the waves are high! pic.twitter.com/WOaieVPVDg
– NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) June 26, 2024
According to the NWS, the declaration applies to beaches in Cook and Lake counties in Illinois, and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana.
KeynoteUSA 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said wind gusts along the lake were expected to increase Wednesday afternoon.
“This is your warning to stay away from Lake Michigan, especially today and tonight,” Roman said.
The warning comes after the waters of Lake Michigan saw multiple drownings and water-related incidents in recent days.
According to Roman, Wednesday was expected to see seasonal temperatures, with highs in the low to mid-80s, but cooler along the lake. Wednesday would see some scattered showers and thunderstorms mid-morning, particularly in the southern counties.
On Wednesday afternoon, there was also a slight chance of scattered showers, Roman added, although most areas were expected to remain dry.
Thursday was expected to be a cooler than average day, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
More rain and storms were expected Friday, some with the potential to become strong, Roman said, with heavy downpours and gusty winds. High temperatures on Friday were expected to be in the mid-70s to mid-80s, Roman added.
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