Chicago's Beaches Open For Unofficial Start To Summer
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Warmer weather has arrived in Chicago just in time for the unofficial start to summer.
Chicago's beaches were bound to be packed for the Memorial Day Weekend, thanks to sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s for the start of the holiday weekend.
All Chicago Park District beaches opened at 11 a.m. Friday to bright skies, though it was still a chilly 51 at the lake at that time. Temperatures at the lakefront should reach the 60s by the afternoon. Though that might seem a bit cool for the beach, after a long, cold winter, beach bums are sure to enjoy the sand and sun whenever they can, and by Saturday, Chicago's temperatures will be in the upper 70s.
"I think this is perfect weather, actually. I love it. I mean, I'm really comfortable in what I'm wearing. Just long sleeves," said Christie Frisch. "But … It's too cold for the water."
Lake Michigan is still only about 50 degrees along the shoreline. At that temperature, spending more than a very short time in the water runs a very real risk of hypothermia.
"I think a lot of it depends on your body temp. Our lifeguards will be out here, but yeah, I would say your body will do the talking for you, and you probably could dip your toe in, but going up past your waist would be only the hardy can do that," Chicago Park District Supt. Michael Kelly said.
While not many people were at the beaches Friday morning, Kelly predicted they'll be packed by 3:30 p.m.
Lifeguards are stationed at all beaches from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day through Labor Day.
The Dock at Montrose Beach opened earlier this month, Oak Street Beach Food + Drink opened Friday, and Castaways Bar and Grill at North Avenue beach opens on Memorial Day.