Chicago, IL – As temperatures rise, Chicagoans are urged to exercise caution near bodies of water.
While air temperatures may be warm, the waters of Lake Michigan remain dangerously cold, with temperatures in the upper 40s to near 50 degrees.
The National Weather Service warns that cold water can cause hypothermia quickly, with a significant risk of cold water shock leading to immediate drowning. They advise wearing life jackets and refraining from impulsive jumps into the water, as the body can lose heat 25 times faster in cold water compared to cold air.
Locals are reminded to stay informed of lake temperatures and to approach water activities with safety in mind.
