Baltimore, Maryland — City officials have issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert for Baltimore as a surge of Arctic air settles over the region, bringing some of the coldest temperatures and wind chills of the winter. The alert will remain in effect from Monday evening through Wednesday morning, as forecasters warn that prolonged exposure could be dangerous — especially for people without adequate shelter.
Meteorologists say the combination of low temperatures and biting winds will create hazardous conditions across the city and surrounding counties, prompting expanded access to warming centers and emergency shelters.
Coldest Nights of the Season Expected
Forecasters warn that Monday and Tuesday nights are likely to be the coldest so far this winter. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the low to mid-teens, but strong winds will make it feel significantly colder.
Wind chill values could drop into the single digits, with isolated areas briefly feeling near or just below zero. Even during the daytime, conditions will remain harsh.
On Tuesday, high temperatures are forecast to reach only the mid to upper 20s, while wind chills will struggle to climb out of the low teens or single digits.
Health officials stress that these conditions pose a serious risk for frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related emergencies, particularly for people who must remain outdoors for extended periods.
What a Code Blue Alert Means
A Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert is declared when temperatures or wind chills fall below 13 degrees, or when weather conditions pose a severe threat to public safety.
“With freezing temperatures expected, the Health Department has declared a Code Blue Extreme Cold alert to protect residents, expand access to warming centers, and ensure no one is left out in the cold,” said Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore.
“We want to ensure all residents — especially our most vulnerable residents, children, older adults, and pets — take additional measures to safeguard themselves and loved ones.”
During Code Blue events, local governments coordinate resources to ensure people experiencing homelessness and others in need have access to safe, heated indoor spaces.
Baltimore City Warming Shelters and Resources
Within Baltimore City, warming shelters are activated when wind chills fall to 32 degrees or lower. Several day shelters and overnight facilities are open to provide relief from the cold.
Daytime warming locations include community centers and service organizations that offer indoor space, hot meals, and basic services. Overnight shelters are also available for single adults, families, and women, providing a safe place to sleep during the coldest hours.
Residents seeking shelter assistance can call the Baltimore City Shelter Hotline for guidance and placement options. Officials note that children must be accompanied by an adult, and pets are not permitted at most locations.
Anne Arundel County Opens Warming Locations
In Anne Arundel County, warming centers will open as prolonged cold conditions continue. Locations include police district buildings, senior activity centers, and public libraries operating during regular hours.
Library branches throughout the county are also serving as warming spaces, offering heated indoor environments during daytime hours. County officials remind residents that availability may vary by location, and capacity could be limited.
Residents needing assistance or transportation to warming sites are encouraged to contact local crisis lines for help.
Additional Shelters in Baltimore County and Howard County
Baltimore County has activated its Freezing Weather Shelter Plan, which remains in effect through April 15. When temperatures fall below freezing, designated shelters open to provide emergency overnight accommodations.
In Howard County, cold weather shelters are managed by Grassroots and operate between November and March. A Code Blue Shelter is activated when temperatures drop below 26 degrees, offering overnight refuge and crisis support.
Officials across all counties caution that bed space is limited, and early outreach is encouraged when severe cold is forecast.
Read Also: Southeast Michigan Braces for High Winds, Snow Squalls, and Dangerous Wind Chills Early This Week
Safety Tips During Extreme Cold
Health officials urge residents to take the following precautions during the Code Blue alert:
- Limit time outdoors, especially overnight and early morning
- Dress in layers and cover exposed skin, including hands, ears, and face
- Check on elderly neighbors and those with limited heat
- Bring pets indoors and ensure animals have adequate warmth
- Use space heaters safely, keeping them away from flammable materials
Cold exposure can become dangerous faster than many people realize, especially when wind chills drop below zero.
Community Responsibility During Code Blue
City leaders emphasize that Code Blue alerts are not just about shelters — they are about community awareness and collective responsibility. Residents are encouraged to report concerns, check on vulnerable individuals, and share information about available resources.
As the Arctic cold persists through midweek, officials say continued monitoring and cooperation will be essential to preventing cold-related injuries and deaths.
How is your neighborhood preparing for the extreme cold, and do you think enough warming resources are available this winter? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
