The county is under an Extreme Cold Alert until 4 p.m. Friday.
Residents should expect the wind chill to be below 32 degrees — “Wear layers if you go outside. Take extra precautions if you spend significant time outdoors,” states the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will hold all activities indoors, including lunch, recess, physical education, and other class activities.
According to the county, an Extreme Cold Alert is issued when temperatures and/or wind chill is forecasted to go below 32 degrees, “creating a hazardous situation in which Extreme Cold and frostbite are likely.”
Safety tips from the county include limiting outdoor recreational activity, and if outside, wearing several layers of loose-fitting clothing under a heavy coat.
Pets must not be left outside unattended during extreme cold temperatures, according to the county — “Animals that usually spend long periods of time outdoors must have access to shelter to properly protect them from the elements; however, during periods of extreme cold they must be brought inside or have an adequate heat source approved by the [Executive Director of the Montgomery County Office of Animal Services]. The penalty for this violation is a $500 fine.”
Due to forecasted low temperatures and to ensure student safety, all outdoor activities, including lunch, recess, physical education, and other class activities, will be held indoors.
— MCPS (@MCPS) December 6, 2024
Montgomery County has extended the Extreme Cold Alert until Friday, 12/06 at 4:00 pm. Expect the wind chill below 32 degrees F. Wear layers if you go outside. Take extra precautions if you spend significant time outdoors. More information: https://t.co/jMV4anGEFq #MdWx pic.twitter.com/ba9ip8PPcN
— Montgomery Co OEMHS (@ReadyMontgomery) December 5, 2024
