Embrace the chilly outdoors, as the cold air welcomes you home!
On Thursday, a crowd of thrill-seekers braved the biting 27-degree weather to welcome the new year with a thrilling plunge at Coney Island’s annual polar plunge.
Many swimmers described the icy dip as a refreshing mental cleanse. This year’s event marked the coldest plunge since 2018 when temperatures fell below 18 degrees.
“I enjoy starting the year with a clean slate,” remarked Jack Tookers, 33, a tour guide from Brooklyn. “It’s exhilarating to shake off the past and welcome the new year with vigor.”
Some enthusiasts believe diving into freezing waters offers the ultimate natural high.
“That’s incredible,” said 15-year-old Sidney Edelson, wide-eyed. “Everything’s just numb.”
Alison Dorfman, a 54-year-old psychotherapist, saw it as a unique way for families to bond in the cold.
“It’s exhilarating and amazing,” she noted. “This is how you create family memories.”
Tania Brown, 35, who works in hospital administration, admitted that some liquid courage helps in taking the plunge.
“It feels fantastic,” she shared. “It’s all about adrenaline and maybe a bit of cinnamon whiskey. Shh, don’t tell anyone.”
She encouraged others to give it a try at least once: “It’s worth crossing off your bucket list.”
Over 6,000 participants signed up for this year’s plunge, marking the 123rd year of the Polar Bear Club’s tradition.
This year’s event was significantly colder compared to the mild mid-40s experienced in 2025 and 2024, as reported by FOX Weather.
On Thursday, temperatures dipped to 24 degrees but slightly increased to 27 degrees by 11 a.m., right when the swimmers took their dive.
Looking ahead, Friday is anticipated to be mostly sunny with highs around 30 degrees and lows near 22 degrees, according to meteorologist Cody Blood. Saturday is expected to be sunny as well, with lows of 23 degrees and highs of 33 degrees, while Sunday may see lows at 27 degrees and highs reaching 35 degrees.
