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Chicago Polar Bear Club Cancels Oak Street Beach Polar Plunge Over Extreme Cold

Organizers cite National Weather Service warnings over life-threatening wind chills.

Overview

  • The charity plunge scheduled for this weekend was called off after Thursday’s announcement prioritizing participant safety.
  • Wind chills could fall to about 35 degrees below zero with frostbite possible in 10 to 15 minutes, according to forecasters.
  • The event will likely not be rescheduled this season, organizers said in their statement.
  • An after-party remains set for 1–4 p.m. at HQ Beercade in River North at 213 W. Institute Place.
  • About $87,000 raised so far will still be directed to five Chicago families, as extreme cold also prompts Chicago Public Schools closures.