Chicago is starting the week under cloudy skies, with areas of drizzle and scattered rain showers expected Monday before the city settles into a cool, breezy afternoon. Temperatures will top out near 64 degrees, while northeast winds add a noticeably raw edge to the day.
Drizzle Fades, But Gusty Winds Stick Around
Drizzle and showers are expected Monday. The day may feel cool and raw.
Clouds will linger through the afternoon even as shower chances fade. Monday night stays mostly cloudy, with a low near 57 and continued northeast winds around 15 mph.
Lake Michigan Beaches Remain Dangerous
A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Wednesday evening for Chicago-area Lake Michigan beaches, where waves of 6 to 9 feet and dangerous currents are expected. The National Weather Service Chicago warns that swimming conditions may be life-threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers.
People should stay out of the water and avoid piers, jetties, breakwalls and other shoreline structures while the warning is in effect. The same northeast winds driving the chilly city forecast are helping keep waves elevated along the shore. The City of Chicago also advises lakefront visitors to heed closure signs and officials and not go around barricades when conditions make the lakefront unsafe.
What Beachgoers Should Know
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, beachgoers should stay out of the water when waves are high and review guidance on dangerous currents and cold water before visiting Lake Michigan beaches. The city’s safety guidance emphasizes following posted warnings, closure signs and instructions from officials rather than trying to bypass barricades or closed lakefront paths.
Cool Week Ahead Before Weekend Warm-Up
Tuesday and Wednesday bring partly sunny skies with highs near 64 and 65 degrees, respectively, while overnight lows dip to the mid-50s. Thursday through Saturday should be mostly dry, with highs in the mid-60s and lighter winds.
A gradual warm-up arrives by Sunday, when the high could reach around 70 degrees under partly sunny skies. Rain chances remain low for most of the week after Monday’s showers, making the weekend the more comfortable stretch for outdoor plans.
