One winter dip into frigid Lake Michigan wasn’t enough for “Today” show veteran Al Roker, who is planning a return visit to Chicago’s Polar Plunge, organizers said Thursday.
Special Children’s Charities/Special Olympics Chicago, beneficiary of the Plunge, said the weather forecaster and his “Today” colleague, news anchor Craig Melvin, will brave the icy waters at North Avenue Beach on March 1.
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It will be the second time around for Roker, who plunged in 2016 alongside Lady Gaga and “Chicago Fire” star Taylor Kinney, then her fiance.
Roker joked then that he was not permitted to wear a Speedo: “It’s actually a federal mandate.”
Other celebs who have enjoyed a bracing beach experience in the past have included Jimmy Fallon, Vince Vaughn and Dax Shepard.
On Plunge day, Roker and Melvin, a newcomer to the event, will have some preliminary remarks at 9:45 a.m., then follow the musicians of the Shannon Rovers into the chilly lake at 10.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Chicago Polar Plunge, which is expected to draw more than 4,500 plungers this year and raise more than $2 million to assist Special Olympic athletes.
Fellow plungers can register at www.chicagopolarplunge.org or at the beach Feb. 28-March 1.
