Bitter Winds and Code Blue Alerts: Baltimore Battles the Deep Freeze This Sunday

A Frigid Start for the Monument City

Baltimore residents waking up this Sunday, February 1, 2026, are facing some of the harshest conditions of the winter season so far. The morning began with a staggering chill as temperatures hovered near 15°F. However, the raw numbers only tell half the story; with northerly winds active across the region, wind chill values have dipped into the single digits and low teens, making any outdoor exposure potentially dangerous. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through 1:00 PM today as the city grapples with this sustained arctic blast.

Afternoon Outlook: Biting Winds and Peaking Temperatures

As we move into the afternoon, the sky is expected to remain mostly cloudy, with a system to our south filtering in persistent cloud cover. While we may see occasional sunny spells, they will do little to counteract the biting northerly flow. High temperatures are forecast to struggle, eventually peaking near 30°F. This is significantly cooler than the historical average of 40°F for the start of February.

The defining feature of the afternoon will be the wind. Forecasters are tracking gusts that could exceed 30 mph, which will keep the effective feel of the air—the wind chill—firmly in the teens throughout the day. While there is a slight 10% chance of a stray flurry or light snow shower, significant accumulation is not expected today. However, the city remains on high alert following recent winter weather that has left many streets icy.

Evening Transition: Clearing Skies and Dropping Mercury

By Sunday evening, the cloud cover is expected to begin breaking, leading to a clearer but exceptionally cold night. As the sun sets, temperatures will plummet back into the mid-teens. The lack of cloud cover overnight will allow for radiational cooling, ensuring that Monday morning begins just as frost-bitten as today. Residents are urged to ensure all pets are indoors and that pipes are properly insulated against the overnight freeze.

Critical Safety Alerts and City Services

Baltimore City remains under a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert through the end of the day. This declaration by the Health Department triggers the opening of warming centers and increased outreach for vulnerable populations. City officials have highlighted several key impacts on local services:

• Travel Safety: Vehicles traveling on city streets are encouraged to be equipped with all-weather tires or chains, and motorists should avoid parking along designated snow emergency routes to assist cleanup crews.
• Waste Collection: Due to icy conditions, trash collection is not occurring via alleys today; residents should move bins to the front of their residences.
• Wind Hazards: With gusts over 30 mph, residents should secure loose outdoor furniture and be wary of falling debris or weakened tree limbs.

Stay tuned to local updates as we monitor a potential shift toward milder temperatures later in the upcoming week.