Baltimore City will remain under a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert through Tuesday morning, as the region continues to face one of its longest stretches of subfreezing temperatures.
Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor made the announcement Sunday afternoon ahead of “subzero wind chills and icy road conditions, increasing the risk of cold-related injuries.”
So far this season, 27 people have died of hypothermia across Maryland, including six in Baltimore City.
During extreme cold alerts, city agencies coordinate to arrange refuge and assistance for those in need, including winter shelters and food distribution programs.
“The risk of frostbite and hypothermia is high under these extreme conditions, particularly for our most vulnerable residents,” Taylor said. “I urge everyone to stay inside when possible, and if you see someone in need, please call 311. We all have a role in protecting one another.”
Concerns as snow threat returns
Part of the concern focuses on the forecast, as temperatures are expected to remain around freeing on Monday.
Tuesday brings a modest warmup, with partly sunny skies and a high near 36. Clouds increase Tuesday night as a chance of snow develops after 1 a.m. Lows dip to about 26, with a 40% chance of precipitation.
A few snow showers could linger into Wednesday morning before tapering off, followed by partial sunshine and a high near 33. Any snow chance remains slight, at 20%. Skies clear Wednesday night, with colder air settling in and lows around 17.
Recovering from the first storm
Below-freezing weather hit the Baltimore region in late January, accompanied by one of the worst winter storms faced by the region in nearly a decade, and the area has remained frigid since.
In the days following the storm, the city has faced myriad challenges from the freezing, snowy conditions, including streets and sidewalks covered with ice and snow and a spike in water main breaks, leaving hundreds without water.
Baltimore’s health department has urged residents to wear multiple layers of clothing, as well as a head covering, and to walk slowly with caution to avoid icy and snowy conditions.
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