Forecasters: Cold front may bring hazardous swimming conditions to Chicago area Tuesday, then warm weather to return

A cold front was expected to sweep into the Chicago area late Tuesday, dropping temperatures into the 60s and prompting a few rain showers near Lake Michigan, according to the National Weather Service.

Sharp, gusty winds blowing along the lakeshore from the northeast were expected to create high waves of 3 to 6 feet, as well as life-threatening currents and hazardous boating conditions. There was also a possibility of isolated thunderstorms developing north of Interstate 80 later in the evening, said Mike Bardou, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Chicago-area office.

“It can be very dangerous for anyone trying to go out into the water, or even standing near the water’s edge where spots are low, like a pier,” Bardou said.

The weather service warns people to stay out of the water, obey posted signs and closures, and avoid piers, breakwaters and lakeshore trails.

“What we say is, ‘Stay dry when waves are high’. It’s kind of our slogan and is what we want people to do, especially this evening and tonight,” Bardou said.

But the chilly and dangerous conditions aren’t expected to last long.

Warm weather with highs in the 80s, nearing the 90s, is expected in the Chicago area throughout the rest of the workweek, forecasters said. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 70s Wednesday before rising to the 80s Thursday and Friday.

For more details and an updated forecast, check the Tribune’s weather page.