Warming Centers Remain Open In Howard County Due To Frigid Temperatures

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Several warming centers are open and available to residents as a cold weather advisory for Howard County has been extended through 10 a.m. Thursday.

The U.S. National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington forecast the coldest conditions with widespread wind chills of negative five degrees to negative 10 degrees (-5F to -10F) Fahrenheit. During the daytime, wind chills are only expected to reach the low teens. Some of the dangers associated with winter weather include hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and injuries from heat sources.

The Howard County Police Department and Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center also asks residents to keep their pets indoors as much as possible. Animals that are kept outdoors must have access to appropriate shelter, bedding and an unfrozen water source at all times as required by Howard County law.

Read more: Coldest Day Of Winter Recorded In MD; When Will Arctic Blast End?

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, the wind chill was -4 degrees and the true temperature was 11 degrees at BWI Airport. Wednesday's high of 21 and low of 10 have Marylanders wondering when this polar vortex will end.

"Arctic high pressure will maintain control, leading to well below normal temperatures and very cold wind chills through Thursday morning. Temperatures will begin to moderate late this week as high pressure begins to lift away. A system may approach the region late in the weekend," the National Weather Service said in a forecast discussion.

With a high of 35, Saturday looks to be the first day above freezing. Sunday through Tuesday should reach the low-40s. From there, temperatures could revert to their normal winter levels.
It will still be cold in the evenings, however. Nighttime lows will hover around 10 to 16 degrees through Friday night and sit in the low-20s Saturday through Monday nights.

Warm spaces available to Howard County residents include any of the community centers, 50+ centers or library branches:

• Gary J. Arthur Community Center – 2400 MD 97, Cooksville
• North Laurel Community Center – 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel
• Roger Carter Community Center – 3000 Milltowne Dr., Ellicott City
• Bain 50+ Center – 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia
• East Columbia 50+ Center – 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
• Elkridge 50+ Center – 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge
• Ellicott City 50+ Center – 9401 and 9411 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City
• Glenwood 50+ Center – 2400 MD 97, Cooksville
• North Laurel 50+ Center – 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel
• Central branch - 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia
• East Columbia branch - 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
• Elkridge branch, 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge
• Glenwood branch - 2350 MD 97, Cooksville
• Miller branch, 9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City
• Savage branch, 9525 Durness L, Laurel