Code Blue Extended in Montgomery County; Frigid Temperatures Could Last

It looks like it's going to even colder for even longer. Montgomery County has extended their Code Blue Weather Declaration through next Tuesday at 9 a.m. It was previously scheduled through Saturday at noon.

The forecast has changed slightly from earlier in the week. Snow is still expected to fall Friday into Saturday. However, temperatures are expected to peak at 46 on Saturday, while previous predictions had them heading into the 50's. The weather now calls for "mixed precipitation" throughout the day. While things are expected to warm up on Sunday - a high of 59 - they will plummet again on Monday down into the low 20's.

Friday night into Saturday, snow is expected to fall shortly after midnight, with the likelihood of accumulation increasing as the morning wears on. Temperatures will rise to freezing by about 10 a.m. Saturday morning, at which point the snow could begin to shift to freezing rain and rain.

The updated forecast is included below via forecast.io:

Saturday December 17

Mixed precipitation (1–3 in. of snow) until afternoon. High 46, low 24.
Chance of precipitation: 79%. Wind 4 mph from the S

Sunday December 18

Rain throughout the day. High 59, low 31.
Chance of precipitation: 76%. Wind 8 mph from the SW

Monday December 19

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High 32, low 23.
Chance of precipitation: 8%. Wind 4 mph from the NW

Tuesday December 20

Flurries in the morning. High 37, low 21.
Chance of precipitation: 4%. Wind 2 mph from the WSW

A Code Blue is declared when weather conditions are deemed to be life threatening. In Montgomery County, officials define that as a wind chill below 20 degrees. During a Code Blue event, the county urges residents to take the following steps:

• Check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure that their homes are adequately heated.
• If you see someone in need of immediate assistance, call or text 9-1-1.
• If you or someone you know needs temporary shelter from the cold weather, call CHOC at 610-292-9244.
• If you or someone you know needs help with a longer-term housing issue, call Your Way Home at 1-877-646-630

Patch file photo.