Baltimore braces for dangerous cold as Code Blue Alert warns residents

On January 6, 2025, the national capital experienced severe cold wave conditions, with temperatures dropping significantly, recorded at 11.4 degrees Celsius at 5:30 AM. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for light rain expected during the early hours of the same day. Forecasts from the IMD hinted at a considerable temperature range between 7 and 18 degrees Celsius from January 6 to January 10, with moderate to dense fog expected from January 7 to 9, and thundershowers possibly occurring around January 11. The weather pattern indicates ongoing cloudy skies throughout this period, which further contributes to the chill in the air. The air quality in Delhi showed slight improvement, moving from 'severe' to 'very poor,' with the overall air quality index (AQI) recorded at 317 on January 6, significantly better than previous days when it exceeded 400 in various areas. Major hotspots such as Alipur and Anand Vihar still reported AQI levels above 350. These fluctuations in air quality prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management to revoke Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan as of January 5, allowing for more temporary measures while observing AQI trends. However, officials warn that some regions could remain in the 'poor' air quality category for the upcoming days. In response to the persistent cold and inclement weather, many homeless individuals sought refuge in night shelters established across the capital, including in locations like AIIMS and Lodhi Road. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board set up 235 pagoda tents to accommodate the homeless population during this period of extreme weather. Local residents found ways to cope with the cold, with many huddling around bonfires for warmth or seeking shelter in designated night homes. Additionally, similar winter conditions plagued neighboring regions, including Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, leading to similar responses from concerned citizens and authorities. On the other spectrum, Baltimore faced its own set of challenges, as an Extreme Cold Alert was issued from January 6 to January 10 due to dangerously low temperatures and forecasted snow. The Baltimore City Health Commissioner emphasized preventive measures for vulnerable populations against the cold and advised residents to dress warmly and check on those who may be more affected by freezing conditions, such as older adults and young children. This scenario in Baltimore underscores the broader regional impact of winter weather across various parts of the country at this time.