Baltimore declares Code Blue as extreme cold hits city
- Baltimore City is under a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert from February 18 to February 21, 2025.
- Health officials urge residents to stay indoors and check on vulnerable neighbors.
- Emergency shelters will be opened to provide assistance to individuals in need during the cold weather.
On February 18, 2025, Baltimore City issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert due to impending severe cold weather. The alert, declared by Interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller, is effective from this date until the morning of February 21. The forecast indicates that temperatures will plummet to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit overnight, with afternoon highs only reaching the low 30s. The issuance of a Code Blue is a proactive measure triggered when temperatures are expected to drop below 13 degrees or when the risk of severe cold poses a health threat, prompting health officials to recommend reduced outdoor activity to mitigate risks like frostbite and hypothermia. In response to this alert, Baltimore's Mayor's Office of Homelessness Services will activate emergency shelters to support individuals and families in need. This initiative will also involve agencies working to provide meals for at-risk older adults, offer home weatherization services, and assist those applying for energy support. The city aims to shield its most vulnerable populations from the extreme weather by ensuring they have access to essential services and safety during this cold snap. The weather forecast indicates that the rest of the week will remain predominantly dry in Central Maryland, with a significant reduction in the likelihood of a winter storm previously anticipated for midweek. These developments are attributed to changing weather patterns, which have shifted the expected storm track farther south, resulting in anticipated snowfall for southern Maryland rather than the greater Baltimore area. While southern parts of the state may still see light snow, the heaviest accumulations are now projected for areas such as Virginia Tidewater and parts of North Carolina. Weather advisories emphasize the importance of safety during such cold snaps, urging residents to dress appropriately in layers, ensure adequate heating within their homes, and check on vulnerable individuals in their community. This period of extreme cold is expected to culminate with a warming trend by the end of the week, when temperatures are forecasted to rise back into the 40s, providing some relief from the harsh conditions.