Bitter Chill and Approaching Storms: Baltimore Braces for a Frigid Friday

A Drastic Temperature Shift for Charm City

Baltimore residents waking up this Friday, January 23, 2026, will find a city on the edge of a significant weather transition. While the morning may start with relatively standard winter temperatures for late January, a powerful cold front is moving through the region, bringing with it a sharp drop in mercury and the first stage of what meteorologists are warning will be a hazardous weekend.

Morning and Afternoon: The Calm Before the Cold

Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, the weather in Baltimore will remain mostly cloudy with a high temperature expected to reach near 40°F to 44°F. Morning commuters saw initial temperatures hovering around 34°F at dawn, and conditions are expected to stay dry for the duration of the daylight hours. West and west-northwest winds will persist between 10 to 15 mph, providing a steady breeze that will make the low 40s feel more like the mid-30s. While skies will remain overcast, there is no immediate threat of precipitation through the afternoon commute.

Evening Alert: Cold Weather Advisory in Effect

The primary concern for today begins as the sun sets. The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Baltimore and the surrounding areas, effective from 8:00 PM tonight through 10:00 AM Saturday morning. Temperatures are forecast to plummet rapidly after nightfall, dropping to a bone-chilling low of approximately 11°F to 14°F. This rapid cooling, combined with persistent winds, will create dangerous wind chill values. Experts predict that wind chills could drop below zero overnight, making even brief periods of outdoor exposure hazardous for those without proper winter protection.

Wind and Hazard Warnings

In addition to the cold advisory, the city remains under a watchful eye as winds shift. Residents should prepare for gusty conditions as the cold air settles in. While no rain or snow is expected to fall today, the extreme cold poses risks to pets, livestock, and exposed plumbing. The city’s emergency management teams are urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and ensure that outdoor animals have adequate shelter before the sub-zero wind chills arrive later this evening.

Looking Ahead: The Weekend Winter Storm

Today’s frigid temperatures serve as the opening act for a significant winter storm system approaching the Mid-Atlantic. A Winter Storm Watch has already been posted for Saturday evening through Monday morning. While today remains dry, heavy snow and a wintry mix are predicted to begin late Saturday night. For today, the focus remains on the biting cold. Those heading out for Friday evening plans should prepare for the sudden drop in temperature and dress in multiple layers to combat the incoming deep freeze.

Today's Weather Summary

• High Temperature: 40°F - 44°F
• Low Temperature: 11°F - 14°F
• Wind: WNW at 10-15 mph; higher gusts possible tonight
• Condition: Mostly cloudy becoming clear and dangerously cold at night
• Alerts: Cold Weather Advisory starting at 8:00 PM