Northern Cook Area Beaches: swim risk and surf forecast

IllinoisNear Kenilworth, Cook CountyNWS zone ILZ103NWS 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 45174, 3.6 mi out, measured 3.6 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

Radar

Reflectivity now over Northern Cook Area Beaches. Open it to see rip current risk on the map.

Open the live radar with rip current risk

Radar mosaic and map layers from NOAA MRMS. Boundaries from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.

Alerts in force4

Beach hazards statements, high surf advisories, rip current statements and every other National Weather Service product in force for zone ILZ103.

Beach Hazards Statementuntil Tue 7:00 PM
Beach Hazards Statement issued September 20 at 3:17AM 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 feet expected. * WHERE...Lake IL, Northern Cook and Central Cook Counties. * WHEN...From 7 AM CDT this morning 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 1:33AM 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, Boone, Central Cook, De Kalb, DuPage, Eastern Will, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, La Salle, Lake IL, Lee, McHenry, Northern Cook, Northern Will, Ogle, Southern Cook, Southern Will and Winnebago 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. Basement flooding may occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected through midday. Swaths of torrential rain with 2 inch per hour rainfall rates, or higher are likely to occur within the watch area and may result in areas of flash flooding and cause rapid rises on area rivers, creeks, and streams. - 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.
Flood Watchuntil 4:15 PM
Flood Watch issued September 19 at 10:03PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
...The Flood Watch continues for the following rivers in Illinois... Des Plaines River near Russell affecting Lake IL zone. Des Plaines River near Des Plaines affecting Northern Cook and Central Cook zones. Des Plaines River near Gurnee affecting Lake IL zone. Des Plaines River at Riverside affecting Central Cook zone. Des Plaines River at Lincolnshire affecting Northern Cook and Lake IL zones. .The combination of heavy rain this morning and expected additional thunderstorms with heavy rain tonight may lead to river flooding along the Des Plaines River basin as early as Sunday morning. The heavy rain tonight is expected to occur along a roughly west to east axis across northern Illinois, though the exact location across the river basin remains uncertain. Flooding severity may be higher or lower over the basin depending on the ultimate placement of the highest rainfall tonight. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...Des Plaines River from Palatine Road in Prospect Heights downstream to Irving Park Road in Chicago, including the Des Plaines gauge. * WHEN...From Sunday morning until further notice. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 PM CDT Saturday the stage was 10.5 feet. - Forecast...Flood stage may be reached late Sunday evening. - Flood stage is 15.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
A Flood Watch means water levels above flood stage are possible, but not yet certain, based upon the latest forecasts. Persons along rivers and streams in the watch area should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding develop. These forecasts are based on observed precipitation as well as forecast precipitation 24 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 24 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued by Sunday afternoon.
Flood Watchuntil 4:15 PM
Flood Watch issued September 19 at 10:03PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
...The Flood Watch continues for the following rivers in Illinois... Des Plaines River near Russell affecting Lake IL zone. Des Plaines River near Des Plaines affecting Northern Cook and Central Cook zones. Des Plaines River near Gurnee affecting Lake IL zone. Des Plaines River at Riverside affecting Central Cook zone. Des Plaines River at Lincolnshire affecting Northern Cook and Lake IL zones. .The combination of heavy rain this morning and expected additional thunderstorms with heavy rain tonight may lead to river flooding along the Des Plaines River basin as early as Sunday morning. The heavy rain tonight is expected to occur along a roughly west to east axis across northern Illinois, though the exact location across the river basin remains uncertain. Flooding severity may be higher or lower over the basin depending on the ultimate placement of the highest rainfall tonight. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...Des Plaines River from Townline Road in Libertyville downstream to Palatine Road in Prospect Heights, including the Lincolnshire gauge. * WHEN...From Sunday afternoon until further notice. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 PM CDT Saturday the stage was 8.3 feet. - Forecast...Rises on the river are possible over the next few days. The river may reach flood stage. - Flood stage is 12.5 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
A Flood Watch means water levels above flood stage are possible, but not yet certain, based upon the latest forecasts. Persons along rivers and streams in the watch area should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding develop. These forecasts are based on observed precipitation as well as forecast precipitation 24 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 24 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued by Sunday afternoon.

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 45174, Wilmette Buoy, IL, 3.6 mi away, reported 8:10 AM.

Waves: 3.6 ft at 4 seconds from the NE
Air temperature: 64 °F

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 ILZ103.