​Maryland Department of Emergency Management ​MdReady

Emergency Alerts

​​​Cold Temperatures and Snow Expected Across Maryland

MDEM is urging Marylanders to prepare for snow and dangerously cold temperaturesexpected from Saturday through midweek.

  • What to Expect:

    • Western Maryland (west of the Alleghenies):

      • Saturday: 1–3 inches of accumulating snow possible, with wind gusts up to 35 mph.

    • Central Maryland, east of I-95, and the Eastern Shore:

      • Overnight Sunday: Light snow possible, with up to 1 inch of accumulation.

    • Statewide Cold:

      • Sunday night through Wednesday (Jan. 21):

    Dangerously cold wind chills each night, ranging from 0 to 10 degrees, with the coldest conditions (0 to -10 degrees) expected Monday night into Tuesday.
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Actions to Take:

  1. Plan for cold exposure:

  • Limit time outdoors and dress in layers, including hats and gloves.

  • Bring pets indoors and ensure livestock have shelter from wind and cold.

  • Know where to go if you need warmth: Monitor local announcements for warming centers or shelter information.

  1. Prepare Your Home for Extreme Cold

  • Protect pipes:

    • Insulate exposed pipes and allow indoor faucets to drip slightly during the coldest nights to reduce the risk of freezing.

  • Use heating sources safely:

    • Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.

    • Never use ovens, grills, or outdoor heaters to heat your home.

  • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

    • Ensure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries.

  • Maintain adequate heat:

    • Set thermostats consistently day and night to help prevent frozen pipes.

  • Plan for wind-driven cold:

    • Close gaps around windows and doors to reduce drafts and heat loss.

  1. Travel with caution:

  • Allow extra time, especially in Western Maryland and overnight Sunday into Monday.

  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets and a flashlight.


Please be a good neighbor and look in on older adults, neighbors, and anyone without reliable heat.
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Additional Information

Additional cold weather resources and information on warming centers are available through the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Preparedness & Response at https://health.maryland.gov/preparedness/Pages/resources_cold.aspx


MDEM will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as needed.

Stay alert by following updates from your local emergency management office, NOAA/NWS forecasts, local media, and official briefings for updated information and possible watches or warnings.

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