Extreme Cold Alert: Baltimore Forecast until Thursday
A street lamp casts a soft glow on falling snowflakes in Baltimore on Jan. 6, 2025, painting a serene winter scene. However, the beauty of the snowfall belies the dangerous extreme cold conditions gripping the city. With temperatures plummeting well below freezing, Baltimore City’s health commissioner, Mary Beth Haller, has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert set to last from Tuesday through Thursday.
Interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller took swift action on Monday to declare the alert, as wind chills are predicted to linger in the teens throughout Thursday morning. The chilling temperatures pose a severe threat to residents’ well-being, increasing the risks of frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related injuries, including the possibility of death.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott Urges Vigilance and Community Support
In response to the imminent cold front, Mayor Brandon M. Scott emphasized the importance of community support and vigilance during these harsh weather conditions. He urged residents to stay indoors as much as possible, check on vulnerable neighbors, and utilize the resources provided by city agencies and partners.
Baltimore City initiated its first Code Blue Extreme Cold alert of the season back in December, and last week, Maryland witnessed its first significant snowfalls of the year. As the Baltimore region braces for possible flurries on Tuesday night, city agencies are prepared to offer shelter and assistance to those in need throughout the duration of the extreme cold alert.
City Agencies Mobilize to Protect Residents
To safeguard vulnerable populations, city agencies are actively distributing meals to at-risk older adults, weatherizing homes, assisting with energy applications, and conducting cold weather education and outreach. Haller stressed the importance of checking on neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable, to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
Despite the challenges posed by extreme cold weather, it is crucial for residents to take precautions to stay safe and healthy. City officials recommend wearing layered, loose-fitting clothing, staying hydrated, walking carefully on icy surfaces, and monitoring the well-being of infants, children, older adults, and chronically ill individuals.
Helpful Resources for Baltimore Residents
For those in need of emergency shelter, energy assistance, or other services, Baltimore City provides a range of resources, including the Baltimore City Shelter Hotline, Energy Assistance Program, Maryland Access Point, and Weatherization Assistance Program. Residents can also contact 311 or 211 for cold-related inquiries or to locate nearby homeless shelters.
As the Code Blue Extreme Cold Season progresses, it is essential to remain vigilant and support one another in the face of challenging weather conditions. By following safety guidelines, checking on neighbors, and utilizing available resources, Baltimore residents can navigate the extreme cold alert period with resilience and community solidarity.
