Interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller issued a blue extreme cold alert for Baltimore Tuesday through Thursday morning, with wind chill expected to drop to 13 degrees overnight and stay below 20 degrees over the next two days.
The Baltimore Department of Health issues a Blue Alert when temperatures are expected to drop to 13 degrees or lower, including wind chill, or when conditions are severe enough to pose a risk to people's health.
National Weather Service forecasters expect temperatures to drop to 22 degrees Tuesday night, with wind gusts reaching 38 mph.
Wednesday's high temperature is expected to reach 33 degrees, with wind gusts as high as 32 mph, according to the weather service.
Meteorologists expect temperatures to drop into the mid-20s Wednesday night with wind gusts up to 22 mph, before mild weather returns Thursday morning (temperatures will reach 34 degrees and winds drop to about 7 mph).
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City health officials say the extreme cold weather could pose significant health risks to Baltimore residents, including frostbite and hypothermia, and in extreme cases, death for people who must be exposed outdoors for extended periods of time.
“As we continue to experience extreme cold weather, we will continue to work hard to protect residents in need,” Mayor Brandon Scott said in a statement. “Please be aware of the coming cold and check on your neighbors and friends. , and access resources from our agencies and partners.”
The declaration launches a range of shelter and assistance services for the city and its affiliated agencies, including services for the homeless.
The department said adults, couples and families in need of emergency shelter are encouraged to call the Baltimore City shelter hotline at 443-984-9540.
The department said city-funded shelters will allow guests already in place to stay in place through at least Thursday and ensure anyone who is homeless and in need of shelter can be accommodated.
The department said the Salvation Army's FeedMore mobile cafeterias will circulate throughout the city, providing hot drinks, meals, blankets, clothing and other items to homeless people.
A list of city homeless shelters and services is available through the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) and includes information about MOHS’ FY 2025 winter shelters and Code Purple program.
Those seeking other forms of assistance, such as assistance with meal distribution, weatherization services or energy assistance for vulnerable adults, please visit the health department’s website at: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code -blue for reference.
“It is so important that we stay indoors as much as possible during these dangerously low temperatures, and I urge everyone to check on their neighbors, especially our most vulnerable residents,” Haller said. “We hope everyone is staying safe during these severe weather conditions. Everyone is protected.”
The Maryland Department of Health's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported three cold-related deaths in Baltimore this winter, according to the statement.
Anyone with other cold-related inquiries or requests for services or who is looking for a homeless shelter near them can call 311 or 211.
Contact Jonathan M. Pitts at jpitts@baltsun.com, 410-332-6990 and x.com/jonpitts77.
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