Labor Day weekend is upon us, marking the unofficial end of summer here in the Chicago area. While Saturday promises to be a picture-perfect day, those planning to head to the beach on Sunday or Monday may want to reconsider their plans. The National Weather Service has issued a high swim risk advisory due to strong winds that are forecasted to affect the Lake Michigan shoreline.
According to the weather service, all Lake Michigan beaches in Illinois and Northwest Indiana could experience waves as high as four-to-eight feet, with increasing winds coming off the lake on Sunday and lasting through Monday evening. These strong winds are expected to create dangerous swimming conditions and hazardous boating conditions as well, with choppy waves and strong currents.
One of the biggest dangers during this high swim risk is the possibility of rip currents. These are powerful, fast-moving channels of water that can pull swimmers away from the shore. Rip currents often occur when winds push water towards the shoreline, and then that water is pulled back out by the current. This creates a situation where swimmers may find themselves being pulled away from the land, which can be extremely dangerous.
If you are caught in a rip current, it is crucial to remain calm and not panic. Remember to never swim against the current, as you will only exhaust yourself. Instead, swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current before swimming back to shore. If you are unable to escape the current, try to signal for help and conserve your energy until help arrives. It is always better to err on the side of caution and stay out of the water during a high swim risk.
In addition to avoiding the water, it is also important to stay away from piers, breakwalls, and lakeshore trails during this time. These areas can be especially dangerous during high winds and rough waters.
But don’t let the high swim risk put a damper on your Labor Day weekend plans. Away from the water, the extended weekend is expected to bring a stretch of dry weather and plenty of sunshine, perfect for outdoor activities. Despite a drop in temperatures from the mid 80s to mid 70s on Sunday, the day is still expected to be pleasant and enjoyable. And on Monday, temperatures will be slightly cooler, but the sunshine and low to mid 70s will make for ideal weather to spend time with family and friends.
Looking ahead, the coming days will see an uptick in temperatures. Tuesday will bring highs in the high 70s and Wednesday will see highs in the low 80s. So even if you can’t hit the beach this weekend, there will still be plenty of nice weather to enjoy in the days to come.
In summary, while the high swim risk may put a temporary hold on beach plans for this Labor Day weekend, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited about spending time outdoors. Whether you’re planning a BBQ, a hike, or just some quality time with loved ones, the weather is on our side. So don’t let the high swim risk deter you, instead let’s make the most of this long weekend and appreciate all that the Chicago area has to offer. And remember, always stay safe and vigilant when near the water, enjoy the beautiful weather, and have a happy Labor Day!
