Thousands of fearless people jumped into Lake Michigan on Sunday to help raise money for Special Olympics athletes.

Lake-Effect Snow Lake Michigan plays a fascinating role in shaping Chicago's winter weather, particularly through a phenomenon known as lake-effect snow. This occurs when cold air sweeps over the relatively warmer waters of Lake Michigan,

This year’s Polar Plunge Chicago raised more than a million dollars for charity and saw thousands of people brave the frigid waters of Lake Michigan.

Law enforcement officials were among those making a splash on Saturday at the annual Polar Plunge event. Dozens of people braved the cold weather at Crown Beach in Alameda. The event raises money for the Northern California Special Olympics.