Chicago Weather: Frigid temperatures return, more snow on the way

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago area is preparing for more than one dose of snow in the coming days after shattering a low temperature record early Saturday morning. It was minus-10 degrees Saturday morning and stayed in the teens all day.

Any snow accumulation Saturday night would add to what has already been the third-snowiest February on record.

The Department of Streets and Sanitation deployed a full fleet of over 280 snow plows and salt spreaders to Lake Shore Drive and arterial streets Saturday night.

"This is the second-coldest day on record for so late in the season," said ABC7 Eyewitness News meteorologist Phil Schwarz. "More record cold is possible by the middle of next week, so there is plenty of wintry weather on the way."

Despite, or in spite of, the wintry weekend, a polar plunge event will take place Sunday morning at North Avenue Beach.

Inside a tent on North Halsted Street Saturday night, it's almost like a summer block party, with music and beer sampling. But they've also got heaters. Outside, it's still the arctic Chicago winter.

"I grew up here, I've been through some bad winters, especially last year, but this one's dragging on," said Alex Rausch. "I'm waiting for summer to come so I can wear shorts again."

A lot of people will be wearing shorts Sunday morning when they jump into Lake Michigan. Even though the frozen waves off North Avenue Beach suggest something more like the North Pole, that's actually the idea. Some 5,000 people will get into the water for the Polar Plunge, a huge fundraiser for Special Olympics.

"They get a lifetime of bragging rights and check it off their bucket list," said Susan Nicholl, Special Olympics.

The ice, combined with a little snow in the forecast should make it an epic experience. But the frozen lake is already inspiring photographers like Greg Dandino to capture the memorable images. He posts them on Instagram.

"Even if you're cold and freezing, you still grab the shot and go to the car and warm up," Dandino said.

Of course, some people are unwilling to wait for arctic chill to go away. That is partially why Kat Vallera of Traveloni.com is busier than ever booking getaways for people looking to escape the cold.

"They just want to get out of the cold," Vallera said. "We've got a lot of people who want to go to Mexico, Caribbean, anywhere where there's a warm beach."

The polar plunge anticipates raising about $1 million for Special Olympics Sunday and the participants will be led into the water by actor Vince Vaughn, a Chicago native.

As some sought warmer climates Saturday, others decided to embrace the cold weather, enjoying the day at the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon before it closes for the season next Sunday.

The Chicago Park District's other outdoor skating rinks close Sunday.