BALTIMORE - Baltimore residents are bracing for dangerously cold temperatures and treacherous travel conditions as the city experiences an Alert Day due to freezing temperatures and ongoing snowfall. The alert, which started on Wednesday, warns of extremely slick and slippery conditions as standing snow and slush turn into solid ice.

Tonight will bring bitterly cold weather with clearing skies and biting cold winds. Temperatures are expected to plummet to the lower teens, with wind chills making it feel even colder, reaching the lower single digits and possibly below zero. With the freezing temperatures, any uncleared surfaces will become hazardous, posing a risk to both pedestrians and drivers, especially on side streets and secondary roads.

Although the sun will be shining brightly, temperatures will remain dangerously cold due to persistently low wind chills. Throughout the day, temperatures are projected to reach the upper 20s, while wind chills will remain in the single digits and teens. It is important for residents to dress appropriately for the frigid weather, layering clothing, covering hands and heads, and taking regular breaks indoors. Additionally, keeping pets indoors is highly advised to protect them from the extreme cold.

A slight reprieve from the intense cold is expected on Thursday, with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures climbing into the middle to upper 30s. This slight warming trend may lead to some melting of the existing snow, improving travel conditions during the day. However, caution should still be exercised as any melted snow may refreeze on Thursday night.

Looking ahead to the end of the week, a winter storm system is anticipated to move into the region. Light snowfall may begin on Thursday evening, intensifying throughout the night into Friday. Although specific snow accumulation totals remain uncertain at this time, the potential for a few to several inches exists if the storm system reaches its full potential.

As the weekend approaches, Maryland residents can expect brutally cold weather, but with dry and sunny conditions. The Ravens game and tailgating experience on Saturday will be particularly challenging, as wind chills are predicted to stay in the single digits. While dry weather is expected, the bitterly cold temperatures and strong breezes warrant extra caution.

Sunday will bring further cold weather to the area, with wind chills expected to linger in the teens.

However, relief from the wintry conditions is on the horizon as a major warm-up is expected next week. Starting as early as Tuesday, a significant January thaw will begin and continue through most of the week, offering respite from the freezing temperatures and icy conditions.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest weather alerts and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of severe winter weather.