Cold water, high waves, rip current: Swimmers advised to stay out of Lake Michigan

In case the cold water isn’t enough to dissuade them, swimmers hoping to hit the water Thursday are advised to stay out of Lake Michigan because of strong winds and dangerously high waves.

A beach hazard advisory is in effect until 4 a.m. Friday, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

Northeast winds are expected to flow across the water and bring high waves to the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds could gust up to 25 mph out of the northeast, resulting in dangerous swimming conditions, waves up to five feet high and strong rip currents.

The warning covers Lake and Cook counties in Illinois, and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana.

The National Weather Service reported the water temperature at Montrose Beach was 65 degrees on Wednedsay; and 67 degrees at Ohio, 63rd, Rainbow and Calumet beaches.