After the warmest Christmas on record across the eastern half of the United States, including what even typically reserved Weather Channel meteorologists called “freakishly above-average” temperatures in the South all December long, nighttime temperatures in WNC on New Year’s Eve will dip ever-so-slightly into the 20s.
For traditionalists taking the annual Lake Lure Polar Plunge on January 1, this is good news — no threat of hypothermia, no glory, as the old saying goes.
Newbies, and the generally less intrepid, can rest assured it’ll be a bright day with highs in the 50s — so, since the lake hasn’t had a chance to experience a major cooldown, the pain factor promises to be fairly low.
The popular event is $20 per person (folks can also register as a team). Proceeds benefit the Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Lake Lure Fire & Rescue. In recent years, festivities have spiked to include contests (youngest/oldest plunger, best costume, furthest distance traveled to plunge, and Mayor’s Choice).
Friday, January, 1. $20 per entrant — the fee gets you lots of swag, including an event beanie. Registration starts at 10:30am. For more information and to register online, go to www.hickorynutchamber.org.