New Year's Day Polar Plunges Could Be Extra Frigid

MILWAUKEE (AP) — If you've never done a polar bear plunge before, this New Year's Day might not be the best day to start.

Temperatures are expected to be in the low single digits Wednesday across much of Wisconsin and Minnesota. That's about 25 degrees colder than usual.

That could present a challenge for the hardy swimmers who participate in a chilly New Year's Day tradition: jumping into frozen lakes or oceans.

Organizers say the conditions will be brutal. So while the events will go on as scheduled, participants who find themselves apprehensive should wait until next year.

J.R. Jarosh runs the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club in Door County. He says younger kids, older folks and those with health issues should especially take precautions when deciding whether to take a freezing plunge.

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