CALIFORNIA, Md. — A blast of Arctic air will bring dangerously cold conditions to Southern Maryland beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, prompting a Cold Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service.
The advisory was issued at 11:03 a.m. EST Tuesday and remains in effect until 11 a.m. EST Wednesday. Forecasters warn that wind chills in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties could fall to between 3 and 9 degrees below zero from 7 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday morning.
Prolonged exposure to the extreme cold could lead to frostbite or hypothermia, particularly for individuals without adequate shelter or winter clothing. Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers and ensure pets are kept inside.
Local governments and community organizations across Southern Maryland have opened warming centers to provide heated shelter during the cold snap. Residents in need are encouraged to contact county emergency management or health departments for specific locations and operating hours.
While Southern Maryland is expected to see some of the harshest conditions, the advisory also covers Washington, D.C., along with central, northern and northeastern Maryland, and portions of central and northern Virginia. Subzero wind chills are possible across the entire advisory area overnight.
The National Weather Service said additional cold weather advisories may be issued through the end of the week as the region remains locked in an Arctic air mass.
Residents are urged to stay informed as the storm approaches. For the latest local forecasts, storm updates, and real-time information during the event — including access to the SMECO power outage map — visit The BayNet Weather Page at /weather/.
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