Chicago Grapples with Gusty Winds and High Swim Risk at Lake Michigan Beaches

Chicago residents are bracing for a burst of windy weather that's expected to hit the area this afternoon and into the evening. According to the National Weather Service, the city will see mostly cloudy skies with a high near 72 degrees and breezy conditions, as northeast winds of 15 to 20 mph increase to 20 to 25 mph later in the day—gusts could reach as high as 40 mph.

With the northeast wind continuing its gusty crusade into the night at 20 to 25 mph, and gusts hitting potentially 40 mph, rain is also likely, mainly after 4 a.m. "The strongest winds will be south of I-80, where gusts up to 55 mph are possible," the National Weather Service warns. These blown conditions aren't just a hassle for high-rise dwellers but pose an increased risk for beachgoers, with a high swim risk announced for Lake Michigan beaches. This means that building waves could create dangerous situations along the shoreline.

For those planning on hitting the water this weekend, it might be best to steer clear. Not only is there a 60% chance of rain primarily before 7 a.m. Saturday, but the Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts "large and battering waves" that "will continue to result in dangerous conditions along the Lake Michigan shoreline through Sunday." It's noted that the "High Swim Risk" will remain in effect for Lake Michigan beaches during this time.

Chicago's weather will not let up on the aquatic front, with a 20 percent chance of showers Sunday and continued mostly cloudy conditions. According to a recent post by the National Weather Service Chicago, while rain chances will increase tonight into Saturday AM, "most locations will remain dry for extended periods." By Monday, conditions will improve with mostly sunny skies and a high near 74 degrees, progressing towards a sunny Thursday with a high near 78 degrees.

Throughout this weather tumult, however, boaters should exercise caution as gale force winds and very hazardous waves are expected today and tonight. Heading into Saturday and Sunday, "hazardous conditions for small craft are likely," and these conditions are predicted to reappear Tuesday and Wednesday. Spotters, in this windy siege, have been told that their services "will not be necessary through tonight."