National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding from the Southern Plains to the Great Lakes; Record Heat in the East

Widely scattered severe thunderstorms may produce damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding from the southern Plains into the lower Great Lakes. Elevated to locally critical fire weather conditions will persist across portions of the Southwest and Southern High Plains due to gusty winds and dry conditions. An early-season heatwave will challenge temperature records across the eastern U.S.. Read More >

Great Lakes Beach Hazards

Know Before You Go!

About Great Lakes Beach Forecasts & Statements: The Surf Zone Forecast, referred to as the Beach Forecast hereafter, contains two sets of forecast information: 1) detailed information on high waves and swim risk concerns for the next 12 hours (color coding on the interactive map) and the following day and 2) a more generalized outlook for days beyond 48 hours. Beach Hazard Statements provide additional details when a high swim risk is forecast. Use the interactive map below to view the Beach Forecast by clicking on the colored zones adjacent to land. If Beach Hazard Statements are in effect, the county adjacent to the nearshore zone will highlight in blue. 

**The 2026 Beach Forecast Season will begin just prior to Memorial Day Weekend**

Know Your Risk!

Learn About Dangerous Currents

Additional Safety Information

Water Quality

Incident Statistics