Active Weather Alerts
Beach Hazard Statement
Issued: 3:10 PM Jul. 18, 2026 – National Weather Service
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING... * WHAT...High wave action and dangerous currents expected at Lake Michigan beaches. Waves 4 to 7 ft expected. * WHERE...In Illinois, Lake, Northern Cook and Central Cook Counties. In Indiana, Lake and Porter Counties. * WHEN...From 7 PM CDT this evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers. For information on swim advisories or bans at Chicago beaches: www. cpdbeaches. com. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remain out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions and do not venture out onto piers, jetties, breakwalls, or other shoreline structures. &&
Small Craft Advisory
Issued: 2:54 PM Jul. 18, 2026 – National Weather Service
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 4 AM CDT SUNDAY... * WHAT...Northeast winds to 25 kt and significant waves to 7 ft occasionally to 9 ft expected. * WHERE...Illinois and Indiana nearshore from Winthrop Harbor IL to Michigan City IN. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 4 AM CDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions. &&
Air Quality Alert
Issued: 5:13 AM Jul. 18, 2026 – National Weather Service
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CDT TONIGHT... The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the "Air Pollution Action Day" designation will remain in effect for the greater Chicago Metropolitan Area through midnight CDT tonight. A Chicago area "Air Pollution Action Day" is declared when weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and or particulate levels are expected to be at or above the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category of the Air Quality Index (AQI) for multiple days. Ozone is expected to be the primary pollutant of concern although smoke/PM2.5 may also become a concern later in the work week. Active children and adults, especially people with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activity. Area residents are urged to reduce pollution levels. Air quality forecasts, current air quality, and tips on how you can reduce your emissions can be found at www.airnow.gov Media Contact...Illinois EPA
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