Warmer temps in store for Connellsville Polar Bear plunge on New Year's

The hearty people who will take the plunge into the Youghiogheny River in Connellsville on New Year’s Day will surely be thankful the temperatures will be a lot warmer than what they were on the brutally cold Christmas Day.

The National Weather Service in Moon is forecasting that the temperature will be in the low 40s about 11 a.m., when those celebrating the New Year by joining in the 19th annual Connellsville Polar Bear Club Plunge will dip into the river at Yough River Park.

They might get wet just standing along the shore underneath the Route 119 bridge over the river before they even get into the water. A light rain is predicted Sunday, said National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Brown.

The Polar Bear Club does not take registration for the dippers, so there is no way of telling how many people might show up Sunday morning, said Mike Parlak, one of three founders of the club. More than 500 people gathered at the river site last year, but maybe 350 or so got into the water, Parlak said.

Those who are going into the water or just enjoying the festivities are asked to bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to the Bill Swan Food Bank, which is operated by Connellsville Community Ministries, Parlak said. A group photo of the plungers is planned for 10:45 a.m.

As usual, to keep the swimmers as safe as possible, the New Haven Hose Company will be at the plunge area, and a raft will be in the water, Parlak said. Emergency medical services will have a warming tent for those left shivering.

The National Weather Service is predicting the Yough will be running about four feet deep Sunday, far below the 12-foot flood stage in Connellsville.