Chicago

Despite Hot Weekend, Officials Warn of Swimming in Lake Michigan

According to the weather service, body heat can be lost 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air

It’s going to be a hot weekend in Chicago but you might want to think twice before jumping in Lake Michigan to cool off.

The National Weather Service in Chicago warned residents that the water’s temperatures are in the 50s, making them dangerously cold for swimming.

“Water temps below 60F are generally considered very dangerous,” NWS Chicago tweeted.

According to the weather service, body heat can be lost 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air. 

Chicago’s beaches officially opened for the season Friday, just as the long holiday weekend began.

Swim advisories were in effect for at least three city beaches Friday, including Calumet, Humboldt and Ohio Street, according to the park district.

The beaches are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, but swimming is only permitted from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., when lifeguards are on duty.

Beach season continues through Sept. 3, the park district said.

Temperatures Friday reached into the 80s and close to 90 degrees. Isolated showers and storms were possible during the afternoon and evening, particularly in areas northwest of Chicago. 

Saturday was expected to be sunny, warm and humid as temps rise in the low-90s for some locations, where they will stay for the remainder of the holiday weekend. A slight chance for a shower or isolated storm will continue for each day as well. 

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