Frigid weather expected overnight, as Baltimore issues Code Blue declaration

Published 2/3/2023 3:35 p.m. EST, Updated 2/3/2023 3:57 p.m. EST

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 13: A commuter makes her way through downtown as temperatures hovered in the single digits during the morning rush hour December 13, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. With wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour the wind chill temperatures in the city have been around -10 degrees.
A commuter makes her way through downtown as temperatures hovered in the single digits during the morning rush hour Dec. 13, 2010 in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Maryland residents should expect cold weather Friday night and Saturday, in the wake of an arctic front that moved through the region Friday morning.

Some areas could even see a few snow flurries, a National Weather Service meteorologist said.

Temperatures are expected to be the chilliest on Friday night, ranging from 10 to 15 degrees in the Baltimore area, according to NWS meteorologist Dan Hofmann. The wind chill will have it feeling closer to zero degrees.

It will be even colder in Western Maryland on Friday night, with temperatures dropping to around zero and a wind chill of -10 to -15 degrees, Hofmann said. Areas at higher elevations, such as Carroll County and parts of northwestern Frederick County, are also in for colder temps.

On Saturday, temperatures in the Baltimore area will hover around freezing before jumping back up to the 50s on Sunday, Hoffmann said.

“So it’s pretty cold, but pretty short-lived,” he said.

The Baltimore City Health Department has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration for Friday night through Sunday morning, and is urging people to stay indoors.

“Extreme low temperatures can be life-threatening especially for our most vulnerable populations. Please be sure to check on neighbors who you think may be at risk to ensure that they have heat and power, and take care to shelter pets appropriately,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa in a statement.

During the Code Blue period, city homeless shelter providers will expand their hours and bed capacity, according to the health department. The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services has a coordinated entry line for requesting shelter referrals at 443-984-9540. Additional contact information can be found here.

Baltimoreans are also encouraged to bundle up when heading outdoors, to stay hydrated, and to watch out for ice or slippery conditions.

Amid the freezing conditions, though, some will still venture into the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge Last year, around 4,000 people jumped in the frigid bay water.

On Friday morning, there was a plunge for first responders, while students and teachers participated in the Cool Schools plunge Thursday.

cadence.quaranta@thebaltimorebanner.com

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