With frigid air predicted to move into the Baltimore area bringing below freezing temperatures Friday night, residents are encouraged to stay indoors.
“A very cold night” is expected with lows in the teens to single digits, the National Weather Service said. A low of 15 degrees is expected Friday night in Baltimore.
An arctic front will pass through the area Friday morning with winds of between 15 and 25 mph with higher gusts possible, according to the service.
“As the front clears the area later today, strong cold advection will follow,” according to the National Weather Service. “Winds will also be picking up in intensity in the wake of the front. This, paired with the cold temperatures, will lead to dangerously cold wind chills.”
Temperatures should pick back up Saturday morning with highs in the 30s. Below average temperatures are expected through Saturday before warming up into next week, according to the service.
Baltimore Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration effective Friday evening, according to a news release.
In a statement, Dzirasa said the low temperatures can be life threatening, especially to vulnerable populations like older adults.
“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,” Dzirasa said.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has reported 15 cold-related deaths in Baltimore City so far this fall and winter, according to the release.
Saturday’s freezing temperatures cap off one of the coldest weeks in Baltimore so far this winter, which saw its first snow early Wednesday morning.
In the midst of the freezing temperatures, people experiencing homelessness can find overnight shelter at multiple locations throughout Baltimore city and county.