Baltimore City Snow Center

Baltimore City is under a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert Monday night,

January 19, through Wednesday morning, January 21.

Overview

The Health Commissioner declares a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert during periods of extremely cold weather. Code Blue Extreme Cold is a multi-agency effort to reduce hypothermia deaths during the winter months by protecting the health and safety of individuals experiencing homelessness, older adults, and other vulnerable populations from extreme cold weather.

The Health Commissioner may declare a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert based on the following criteria:

• When temperatures, including wind chill, are expected to be 13˚F or below. This threshold can be reached by having a temperature at or below 20˚F with 5 mph sustained winds or a temperature at or below 25˚F with 15 mph sustained winds.
   
• When other conditions (e.g., strong winds, extended periods of cold, sudden cold after a warm period) are deemed by the Health Commissioner to be severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of vulnerable Baltimore City residents.

When possible, the decision to make a Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration will be made by 5:00 p.m. on the previous business day or by 5:00 p.m. on Friday before the weekend in which extreme cold is forecasted.  When appropriate, the declaration will specify the risk period as “all day” or “night only” based on forecasted temperatures.

Individuals unsure of whether a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert is in effect can call 311 for details. 311 operators will provide homeless shelter locations, safety tips, and information about cold-related illnesses and risk factors.

Residents can also call 311 to report specific concerns about vulnerable neighbors during Code Blue Extreme Cold Alerts. Call 911 if you are having a cold-related emergency.

A Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration triggers several responses aimed at providing shelter and services for individuals experiencing homelessness. 

• City-funded shelters will shelter-in-place to ensure any individual experiencing homelessness and wanting shelter will be accommodated.  Private homeless shelters will be encouraged to extend their hours and keep individuals indoors.
   
• Homeless Services Outreach Workers provide cold-weather education, encourage individuals experiencing homelessness to take shelter, and connect them to services as needed.
   
• On nights when Code Blue Extreme Cold has been declared, the Salvation Army’s FEEDMORE canteen provides hot drinks and other items to individuals experiencing homelessness.

A list of City Homeless Shelters and Services is available through the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS), including information about the MOHS FY26 Winter Shelter & Code Purple Plan. 
 

WINTER SHELTER STATUS: ACTIVE

The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services has EXTENDED the Code Purple winter shelter activation until Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.  Please visit the MOHS website for additional information including warming centers.

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