Central Cook Area Beaches: swim risk and surf forecast

IllinoisNear Near South Side, Cook CountyNWS zone ILZ104NWS Chicago, IL

Swim risk today: High. Life-threatening conditions are likely, and dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water.

Surf 3 to 5 feet building to 7 to 10 feet, water 64. Buoy 45198, 1.0 mi out, measured 67 °F water and 4.3 ft waves. Sunset 6:51 PM.

Swim risk: HighToday
Surf: 3 to 5 feet building to 7 to 10 feetForecast
Water: 64Forecast
Sunset: 6:51 PMCDT

Rip current risk on the map

Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Central Cook Area Beaches. Open it for the live map, where it pans and zooms.

Open the live map with rip current risk

Map layer from NOAA National Weather Service surf zone forecasts. Boundaries from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.

Alerts in force2

Beach hazards statements, high surf advisories, rip current statements and every other National Weather Service product in force for zone ILZ104.

Beach Hazards Statementuntil Tue 7:00 PM
Beach Hazards Statement issued September 20 at 10:23AM CDT until September 22 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
* WHAT...High wave action and dangerous currents expected at Lake Michigan beaches. Waves 7 to 10 ft expected. * WHERE...Lake IL, Northern Cook and Central Cook Counties. * WHEN...Through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers.
Remain out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions and do not venture out onto piers, jetties, breakwalls, or other shoreline structures.
Flood Watchuntil 1:00 PM
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 10:17AM CDT until September 20 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Illinois, including the following areas, Central Cook, De Kalb, DuPage, Eastern Will, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, La Salle, Lee, Northern Cook, Northern Will, Ogle, Southern Cook and Southern Will and northwest Indiana, including the following areas, Lake IN and Porter. * WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Underpasses may be flooded. Roads and streets may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - The threat for widespread heavy rainfall is ending. However, continued moderate to isolated heavy rainfall may lead to a continued localized flood threat. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
A Flood Watch for flash flooding means rapid-onset flooding is possible, but not yet certain, based upon the latest forecasts. Flash flooding is a dangerous situation. Persons with interests along area rivers, creeks, and other waterways should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

All alerts for this area.

Today and tomorrow

From the National Weather Service beach forecast, issued 315 AM CDT, 9/20/2026.

Today Today

High swim risk

Swim risk: High
Surf: 3 to 5 feet building to 7 to 10 feet
Water temperature: 64
High temperature: In the upper 60s
Weather: Cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. Thunderstorms likely in the morning. Showers. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon
Wind: Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph

Tomorrow Monday

High swim risk

Swim risk: High
Surf: 7 to 10 feet
High temperature: In the upper 60s
Weather: Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers early in the morning, then a slight chance of showers in the late morning and afternoon
Wind: Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph

The surf zone forecast, period by period

Northern Cook, Central Cook. Issued 3:15 AM CDT on Sun, Sep 20 by the National Weather Service in Chicago, IL.

Beach hazards statement in effect from 7 am cdt this morning through tuesday evening

Today

Swim Risk: High
Wave Height: 3 to 5 feet building to 7 to 10 feet
Water Temperature: 64-68
Weather: Cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. Thunderstorms likely in the morning. Showers. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon
High Temperature: In the upper 60s
Winds: Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph

Tonight

Swim Risk: High
Wave Height: 7 to 10 feet
Weather: Cloudy. A slight chance of showers early in the evening. A chance of showers late
Low Temperature: Around 60
Winds: Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph

Monday

Swim Risk: High
Wave Height: 7 to 10 feet
Weather: Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers early in the morning, then a slight chance of showers in the late morning and afternoon
High Temperature: In the upper 60s
Winds: Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph

Swim risk outlook

Monday night. High swim risk*.

Tuesday. High swim risk*.

Tuesday night. High swim risk*.

Wednesday. High swim risk*.

Wednesday night. High swim risk*.

Thursday. High swim risk*.

The office's notes on this forecast

Swim Risk Category * Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected, however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers, breakwalls, and river outlets. * Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets. Always have a flotation device with you in the water. * High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/lot

The product as issued

FZUS53 KLOT 200815
SRFLOT

Surf Zone Forecast for Lake Michigan Beaches
National Weather Service Chicago IL
315 AM CDT Sun Sep 20 2026

ILZ006-210815-
Lake-
Including the beaches of Illinois Beach State Park
315 AM CDT Sun Sep 20 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT THIS MORNING
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................3 to 5 feet building to 7 to 10 feet. 
Water Temperature...........60-64. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. 
                            Showers and a slight chance of 
                            thunderstorms, mainly in the morning. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph.

.TONIGHT...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................7 to 10 feet. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of 
                            showers late. 
Low Temperature.............In the upper 50s. 
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph.

.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................7 to 10 feet. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. A chance of showers early in 
                            the morning. A slight chance of showers 
                            in the late morning and afternoon. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph.

.SWIM RISK OUTLOOK...
.MONDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.TUESDAY...High swim risk*. 
.TUESDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.WEDNESDAY...High swim risk*. 
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.THURSDAY...High swim risk*.

&&

Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/lot

$$

ILZ103-104-210815-
Northern Cook-Central Cook-
Including the beaches of Chicago Park District
315 AM CDT Sun Sep 20 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT THIS MORNING
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................3 to 5 feet building to 7 to 10 feet. 
Water Temperature...........64-68. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. 
                            Thunderstorms likely in the morning. 
                            Showers. A slight chance of 
                            thunderstorms in the afternoon. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph.

.TONIGHT...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................7 to 10 feet. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. A slight chance of showers 
                            early in the evening. A chance of 
                            showers late. 
Low Temperature.............Around 60. 
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph.

.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................7 to 10 feet. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers 
                            early in the morning, then a slight 
                            chance of showers in the late morning 
                            and afternoon. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph.

.SWIM RISK OUTLOOK...
.MONDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.TUESDAY...High swim risk*. 
.TUESDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.WEDNESDAY...High swim risk*. 
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.THURSDAY...High swim risk*.

&&

Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/lot

$$

INZ001-210815-
Lake-
Including the beaches of Indiana Dunes National Park
315 AM CDT Sun Sep 20 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................1 to 3 feet building to 5 to 8 feet. 
Water Temperature...........63-67.
Weather.....................Cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. 
                            Thunderstorms likely early in the 
                            morning. Showers. A slight chance of 
                            thunderstorms in the late morning and 
                            afternoon. 
High Temperature............Around 70. 
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph.

.TONIGHT...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................5 to 8 feet. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and 
                            a slight chance of thunderstorms early 
                            in the evening. A slight chance of 
                            showers after midnight, then a chance 
                            of showers late. 
Low Temperature.............In the upper 50s. 
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph.

.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................5 to 8 feet. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers 
                            early in the morning, then a slight 
                            chance of showers in the late morning 
                            and afternoon. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.

.SWIM RISK OUTLOOK...
.MONDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.TUESDAY...High swim risk*. 
.TUESDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.WEDNESDAY...High swim risk*. 
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.THURSDAY...Moderate swim risk*.

&&

Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/lot

$$

INZ002-210815-
Porter-
Including the beaches of Indiana Dunes National Park
315 AM CDT Sun Sep 20 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING
THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...

.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................1 to 3 feet building to 4 to 7 feet. 
Water Temperature...........63-67. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Areas of dense fog in the 
                            morning. Thunderstorms likely early in 
                            the morning. Showers. A slight chance 
                            of thunderstorms in the late morning 
                            and afternoon. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph.

.TONIGHT...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................4 to 6 feet. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and 
                            a slight chance of thunderstorms early 
                            in the evening. A slight chance of 
                            showers late. 
Low Temperature.............In the upper 50s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph.

.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................High. 
Wave Height.................3 to 5 feet. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers 
                            early in the morning, then a slight 
                            chance of showers in the late morning 
                            and afternoon. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph.

.SWIM RISK OUTLOOK...
.MONDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.TUESDAY...High swim risk*. 
.TUESDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.WEDNESDAY...High swim risk*. 
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...High swim risk*. 
.THURSDAY...Low swim risk*.

&&

Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/lot


$$

The water now, measured

Buoy 45198, Chicago Buoy, 1.0 mi away, reported 12:20 PM.

Waves: 4.3 ft at 5 seconds from the NE
Water temperature: 67 °F
Air temperature: 67 °F
Wind: 12 kt

From NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Wave height is the significant height, the average of the highest third; the largest waves run half again as high. Offshore buoys read bigger than the surf at the beach.

Sun and daylight

Sunrise today: 6:36 AM
Sunset today: 6:51 PM
Sunrise tomorrow: 6:37 AM
Sunset tomorrow: 6:49 PM

Times are Central Daylight Time. Lifeguards are off duty outside posted hours, and the swim risk does not fall with the light.

Beaches in this forecast

The office forecasts these beaches together with the neighboring zones.

Chicago Park District

As the National Weather Service lists them in its surf zone forecast.

What this means

The three levels the National Weather Service issues, and what to do at each.

High	Life-threatening conditions are likely, and dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water.
Moderate	Life-threatening conditions for swimmers are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags.
Low	The risk to swimmers is low, but life-threatening conditions can still occur near piers, groins and river mouths. Swim near a lifeguard.

If a rip current carries you out

Do not fight the current. It pulls you away from the beach, not under the water.
Stay calm and keep your head above water. Float or tread water until the pull eases.
Swim parallel to the beach, along the shore, until you are out of the current, then angle in toward the beach.
If you cannot escape, face the shore, wave your arms and call for help.
If someone else is caught, do not go in after them. Get a lifeguard, call 911, and throw them something that floats.

Thunderstorms and lightning

Today's forecast mentions thunderstorms: Cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. Thunderstorms likely in the morning. Showers. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Water and open sand leave you the tallest thing around. When thunder roars, go indoors: leave the water and the beach for a building or a hard-topped vehicle, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back.

A rip current is a narrow stream of water flowing away from the beach, through the surf and past the breakers. It pulls swimmers out, not under. Rip current and lightning safety guidance from the National Weather Service.

Nearby

The stretches of shore the National Weather Service forecasts on either side of this one.

More for this place

Sources

Rip current risk, surf, water temperature and UV from the National Weather Service surf zone forecast and beach forecast, office LOT, issued 315 AM CDT, 9/20/2026. Original at NWS. Waves and water temperature measured by NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Tides from NOAA CO-OPS. Alerts from the National Weather Service for zone ILZ104.