Can you swim here today?
Kankakee River
Indiana · River
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect
Use cautionAs of August 21, 2026, the water temperature at Kankakee River is 72°F (22°C), measured by USGS gauge 05518000, 4.2 miles away.
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect: a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Boone, IL; Cook, IL; De Kalb, IL; DuPage, IL; Ford, IL; Grundy, IL; Iroquois, IL; Kane, IL and other areas.
- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Boone, IL; Cook, IL; De Kalb, IL; DuPage, IL; Ford, IL; Grundy, IL; Iroquois, IL; Kane, IL and other areas. — NWS Chicago IL
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 21 (median 825 ft³/s over 101 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 21, 6:15 PM gauge-local time
- Water temperature is 72°F, within the comfortable 70 –86°F range. — USGS gauge 05518000, as of Aug 21, 6:15 PM gauge-local time
Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Aug 21 (median 825 ft³/s over 101 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Indiana yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge KANKAKEE RIVER AT SHELBY, IN (4.2 mi away), as of Aug 21, 6:15 PM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.