Polar Plunge Called Off At North Avenue Beach

CHICAGO, IL — The city's annual Polar Plunge at North Avenue Beach was canceled after temperatures dropped to dangerous levels on New Year's Day. Organizers said the arctic blast was so intense that it could cause tissue damage, hypothermia or even death. Instead, would-be participants gathered to take pictures in their swimsuits on the frozen beach.

The Polar Plunge still raised around $17,000, which will go to the organization American Greyhound, a group that finds homes for retired racing greyhounds.

The nearby New Year's Day 5K Run & Walk wasn't canceled, however. Hundreds of runners braved the arctic blast to participate in the event in Lincoln Park. The event benefits Hope For The Day, an organization working to prevent suicide.

Early Jan. 1, O'Hare International Airport recorded minus 9 degrees, one degree below the New Year's Day record set in 1969, according to the National Weather Service. Wind chills as low as minus 30 degrees hit parts of the Chicago area overnight Monday.

The National Weather Service's wind chill warning was in effect until noon Tuesday for much of Illinois and calls for dangerously cold wind chills of up to -20 to -35 below zero.

Polar Plunge organizers said the event may be rescheduled for later in the year.

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