Jimmy Fallon takes the 'Polar Plunge' in Chicago

Late night television host Jimmy Fallon joined thousands of people today for Chicago's annual cold weather ritual of voluntarily jumping into the icy waters of Lake Michigan -- all in the name of charity.

Fallon took to his Instagram and Twitter accounts shortly before taking the plunge.

I'm here Chicago! It is COLD. You are not making this easy. #PolarPlunge

— jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) March 2, 2014

According to a local newscast, the water was actually 15-20 degrees warmer than the air outside, although you'd never be able to tell that from looking at this photo of a fully-clothed, drenched Fallon.

The annual event raises money for Chicago's Special Olympics.

The city's mayor and native Chicagoan, Rahm Emanuel, participated and either was not fazed by the frigid waters or put up a bold front for his constituents.

Fallon, however, may have had second thoughts after feeling just how cold the water was.

Is that agony or glee on Fallon's face? You be the judge.

And it's hard to tell if Fallon was happy to see this fan or happier to be out of the water.

Regardless, it's clear by this photo, he was relieved when the event ended.

Throngs of fans cheered the TV host on, though Fallon looked, er, numb to it all.

That is, until he raised his arm in victory, though, again, his face didn't show any signs of winning a thing.

Afterward, Fallon Instagrammed this photo with hashtags to answer all of the above.

If given the chance, would you jump into freezing water, either for charity or at your leisure?

Let us know in the survey below.