Despite another muggy day on Friday and the risk of severe weather, it looks like the Labor Day weekend will get off to a markedly different start – with clear skies, sunshine and pleasant conditions. However, potentially dangerous conditions are possible along the lake, so those thinking of going to the beach will want to plan ahead.
A cold front was expected to move through the Chicago area Friday afternoon, ushering in drier air for the weekend, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Iisha Scott said. Showers and storms were also a possibility during the afternoon hours, mainly south of the city and in northwestern Indiana and lingering overnight into Saturday.
Dew points will drop significantly – from the 70s and 80s on Friday afternoon to the 40s and 50s on Saturday afternoon – making for a much more comfortable day. With highs in the mid-80s, Saturday will still be warm – despite the lower dew point values.
Anyone hoping to make another trip to the beach before summer is over will probably want to plan for Saturday. Hazardous swimming conditions, high waves and life-threatening currents are expected both Sunday and Monday at beaches along Lake Michigan’s southern shoreline, according to the National Weather Service.
Both days are listed as a “high swimming risk”, meaning people should stay out of the water, avoid jetties, break-offs and lakeshore trails.
The extended weekend overall will bring a stretch of dry weather and plenty of sunshine, meteorologists said.
Pleasant conditions are expected to persist Sunday, despite a notable drop in temperatures from the mid-80s to the mid-70s. Monday will be slightly cooler, but also enjoyable, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s.
A rise in temperatures will come in the following days, with highs in the 70s on Tuesday and highs in the 80s on Wednesday.