Where's summer? Chicago temps 16 degrees below normal

CHICAGO (WLS) -- With temperatures in the 60s - about 16 degrees below normal - it's starting to feel like we're being cheated out of summer. It doesn't feel like July, and it doesn't look like it along the lakefront either.

"I love it. I mean, there's not too many people today, so it's great," said Marcin Kubiak, a biker.

Lifeguards are bundled up and red flags indicating a swim ban are flying on 14 Chicago beaches, including North Avenue. Wave heights are 4 to 7 feet with dangerous rip currents. A swim ban is very rare, according to senior lifeguard Anthony Lugo.

"For the most part, we try to let people enjoy the water and stay in and we try not to swim ban it very often," Lugo said.

Many feel like they have been cheated out of summer. It was only in the 60s on Tuesday. Some shops, like Wheel Fun Rentals, are hurting for business.

"We haven't had any rentals all day. We've just been sitting here. I've been catching up on homework," said Bella Danaher, Wheel Fun Rentals.

Preparations are underway for the Taste of Chicago, which kicks off on Wednesday. Gary Longo with Bobak's Sausage Company is getting ready for the five-day food festival. He's wishing for more seasonable weather.

"Eighty degrees, sunny and cool. If it's too hot, people really don't eat - it's more beverage and walking around. So you want comfortable weather, about 80 or 85 degrees, a little breeze to keep you cool and keep you hungry," Longo said.