Bitter Cold but Bright: Baltimore's Recovery Under Sunny Skies

Arctic Air Grips Charm City Following Historic Blizzard

In the wake of the devastating winter storm, unofficially named 'Fern,' which blanketed the region earlier this week, Baltimore residents will wake up to a stunningly bright but dangerously cold Thursday, January 29, 2026. While the heavy snowfall has finally ceased, the National Weather Service warns that extreme arctic temperatures remain the primary concern for the city and surrounding counties as recovery efforts continue.

Morning: A Frigid Start with Active Advisories

Early morning temperatures in the city are hovering between 8°F and 14°F, but the real story is the wind chill, which is expected to make it feel as low as 3°F. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through 11:00 AM this morning. Due to the lingering ice on secondary roads and the massive cleanup efforts still underway from the 8 to 14 inches of snow recorded across the region, Baltimore City Government offices are operating on a two-hour delayed opening for non-essential employees. Local school districts, including Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County, have largely transitioned to virtual learning or closed entirely after exhausting their allotted snow days.

Afternoon: Sunny Skies and Sub-Freezing Highs

The afternoon will bring clear, sunny skies, but the mercury will struggle to rise, with a projected high of only 21°F. This continues one of the coldest stretches in Baltimore’s recorded history, with temperatures expected to remain below freezing through the weekend. The city remains under a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert, and Mayor Brandon Scott has urged residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and utilize city warming centers if necessary. Drivers are cautioned that despite the sun, black ice remains a significant hazard on untreated surfaces.

Evening and Overnight: Dangerous Cold Returns

As the sun sets, the city will face another round of life-threatening cold. A second Cold Weather Advisory is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM this evening and will last until Friday morning. Overnight lows are forecast to drop to approximately 6°F. Officials warn that such prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia or frostbite within minutes. Residents are advised to keep emergency kits in their vehicles and ensure all pets are brought indoors.

City Service Updates and Safety Notices

• Travel: Phase I of the Snow Emergency Plan remains in effect. Vehicles traveling on city streets must be equipped with snow tires or chains.
• Sanitation: Trash and recycling operations have been modified; residents should report missed pickups via the 311 system.
• Maintenance: All street sweeping routes and related parking enforcement are suspended through next week to allow for safe snow removal.
• Home Safety: Residents are encouraged to let their faucets drip and keep cabinet doors open to prevent pipes from bursting during the deep freeze.