Baltimore, Maryland — City officials are urging residents to take immediate precautions after the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) issued its first Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert for the 2025–26 winter season, citing dangerously low temperatures expected to grip the region this weekend.
According to the Health Department, the Code Blue warning will begin Sunday, December 14, and continue through Monday, December 15, as overnight temperatures are forecast to fall to around 13 degrees and remain in the teens for an extended period. Officials say the conditions pose a serious risk to anyone exposed to the cold without adequate shelter or protection.
What a Code Blue alert means for Baltimore
A Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert is declared when weather conditions significantly increase the risk of cold-related injuries, including hypothermia, frostbite, and in severe cases, death. These alerts are designed to mobilize city agencies and community partners to protect residents, particularly those most vulnerable to extreme weather.
Health officials emphasize that prolonged exposure to below-freezing temperatures — even for short periods — can quickly become life-threatening.
“Extreme cold can be dangerous and even deadly,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, Baltimore City Health Commissioner. “Frostbite and hypothermia can occur quickly, especially for older adults, infants, and those with chronic health challenges.”
Temperatures expected to remain dangerously low
Forecasters warn that this cold snap will not be brief. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply overnight Sunday and remain well below normal through early Monday morning, with wind conditions making it feel even colder at times.
City officials urge residents to stay indoors as much as possible, particularly during overnight and early morning hours when the cold is most intense.
City urging residents to take precautions
With the Code Blue in effect, Baltimore officials are reminding residents to take personal safety seriously during the cold weather advisory.
Health experts recommend wearing multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing, which helps trap heat more effectively than a single heavy layer. A hat or scarf is especially important, as a significant amount of body heat can be lost through the head and neck.
Residents are also advised to drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, which can increase the risk of hypothermia by masking the body’s natural warning signs.
Check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones
City leaders are stressing the importance of community awareness during extreme cold events. Residents are asked to check on children, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses, as these groups face a higher risk of cold-related complications.
Toward the end of November, Maryland reported its first cold-related death of the 2025–26 winter season, underscoring the dangers posed by early-season cold snaps.
During the 2024–25 winter season, the state recorded 67 cold-related deaths, slightly fewer than the 70 deaths in 2023, but significantly higher than the 45 reported during the 2022 season, according to state data.
Safety tips during icy conditions
In addition to cold exposure, officials warn that icy sidewalks and roadways increase the risk of falls and injuries.
Residents are advised to walk slowly, use handrails where available, and avoid icy steps, curbs, and untreated walkways. Wearing shoes with good traction can also help reduce the risk of slipping.
Drivers should exercise caution on bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze faster than other road surfaces.
Protecting pets and using heaters safely
The Health Department also issued reminders about pet safety during extreme cold. Pets kept outdoors must have access to a raised, dry, and draft-free shelter with sufficient bedding and a door flap to help retain heat. Fresh, unfrozen drinking water must be available at all times.
For households using supplemental heat, officials stress that space heaters should be kept well away from flammable materials, including curtains and furniture. Residents are also encouraged to ensure their carbon monoxide detectors are working, as improper heating can lead to dangerous gas buildup indoors.
City services activated during Code Blue
During Code Blue alerts, the Baltimore City Health Department works alongside the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) and other city agencies to expand support services.
These efforts include distributing meals to at-risk individuals, providing emergency shelter options, and offering home weatherization services to reduce exposure to extreme cold. Residents in need of shelter or assistance are encouraged to call 211 for information and referrals.
Officials say these coordinated efforts are critical in preventing injuries and saving lives during severe winter conditions.
Officials stress awareness and preparation
As Baltimore faces its first major cold event of the season, health officials are emphasizing that awareness and preparation can make a critical difference.
Dr. Taylor urged residents to take the warning seriously and look out for one another during the cold spell.
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“We urge residents to stay inside as much as possible, dress in layers, and call 211 for shelter information or assistance,” she said.
Additional weather advisories and updates may be issued if conditions worsen or the cold snap lasts longer than expected.
How are you preparing for the extreme cold in Baltimore this winter? Share your thoughts and safety tips in the comments below.
