Official Notice: Winter Weather Operational Updates and Code Blue Extension

Winter Weather and City Government Operations

Due to the continued impact of recent snow accumulation and forecasted freezing temperatures, Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced that Baltimore City Government offices will operate on a two-hour delayed opening on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This delay applies to all non-essential employees, including those currently approved for telework. Government buildings are scheduled to open for in-person operations at 10:00 AM. Essential personnel are required to report to their stations at their regularly scheduled times to maintain critical city infrastructure and safety services.

Baltimore City Public Schools will remain closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. According to district officials, this closure marks the third of three traditional winter weather make-up days identified in the current academic calendar. All school-related activities, including after-school programs and athletic events, are also canceled for the day. Families should remain tuned to official school district communication channels for further updates regarding administrative office hours.

Health Advisory: Code Blue Extreme Cold Extended

The Baltimore City Health Department has extended the current Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert through Sunday, February 1, 2026. This extension comes as the National Weather Service maintains a cold weather advisory for the region, with wind chills expected to reach dangerous levels. The Health Department reminds residents that extreme cold poses significant health risks, including hypothermia and frostbite, particularly for vulnerable populations and those without adequate shelter.

• Residents are strongly encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible.
• If travel is necessary, wear multiple layers of lightweight, warm clothing along with a hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect exposed skin.
• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical conditions, to ensure their heating systems are functioning correctly.
• Homeowners are advised to leave a thin, steady stream of cold water running from faucets to prevent residential pipes from freezing and bursting.

Department of Public Works: Sanitation and Service Shifts

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has implemented temporary shifts in trash and recycling operations to prioritize public safety and ensure the accessibility of city streets for emergency vehicles. For Wednesday, January 28, the following service adjustments are in effect:

• Trash Collection: Routine alley collections are suspended due to impassable conditions. Residents who typically receive alley pickup are requested to move their trash containers to the front of their property or the end of the alley to ensure collection crews can reach them safely.
• Recycling Services: Curbside recycling collection is suspended for the remainder of the week (through January 30). This allows the city to redirect sanitation personnel to essential trash removal and snow management duties.
• Street Sweeping: All mechanical street sweeping operations are canceled for the rest of the week because of sub-freezing temperatures and hazardous road surfaces.
• Recycling Centers: Baltimore City Department of Public Works Resident Recycling Centers are scheduled to return to a normal operations schedule on Wednesday morning.

Residents are encouraged to report any water main breaks or weather-related infrastructure issues by calling 311. For those in the Baltimore County service area, reports should be directed to 443-263-2220. Prompt reporting helps DPW crews mitigate damage and restore services more efficiently during extreme weather events.