Friday morning, May 22, Chicago woke to mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 50s, a cool and gray start that is sticking around for the day. Persistent east-northeast winds are adding a bite along the lakefront, and highs this afternoon will only make it into the upper 50s to around 60 away from the immediate shoreline.
Through the afternoon, expect breezy ENE winds around 15 mph with gusts up to about 25 mph, which will keep neighborhoods right along the water noticeably cooler than spots farther inland. There is only a slight chance of rain after 9 p.m., and overnight lows are headed for the low 50s.
Lake Hazards And Beach Advisories
The National Weather Service has a Beach Hazards Statement in effect through Saturday afternoon, warning of high wave action and dangerous rip currents, with waves of roughly 3 to 6 feet expected. According to NWS Chicago, swimming conditions will be life-threatening for inexperienced swimmers, and the Chicago Park District posts daily swim status and beach advisories at CPD Beaches. The advice is simple, and worth heeding: remain out of the water and stay off piers, jetties, and breakwalls until conditions calm down.
Tonight Through Memorial Day
A slight chance of light showers returns after 9 p.m. Friday, with any new rainfall totals expected to stay under a tenth of an inch. Saturday is on track to be mostly cloudy with a high near 62. Isolated to widely scattered showers or storms are possible Sunday, with better chances south and east of the city. Memorial Day itself looks drier and warmer, with highs climbing into the low 70s and a more favorable window for outdoor plans.
Plan For The Wind
Onshore gusts and choppy water will be an issue for small boats and anyone planning time along the shoreline, and mariners and small craft operators should be ready for rough nearshore conditions into Saturday morning. If you are heading to the lakefront this weekend, check beach flags and the Park District’s daily updates before you go, and let the forecast guide how close you get to the waves.
