Severe Cold Weather Protocol Extended Through Tuesday, February 10th

UPDATED February 3, 2026: Governor Ned Lamont announced yesterday that he is extending the duration of the state’s currently activated Severe Cold Weather Protocol to remain in effect through at least noon on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as this long-duration stretch of brutally frigid temperatures in Connecticut continues.

The protocol was initially activated on Friday, January 23, 2026, and was most recently set to expire on Thursday, February 5, 2026. However, the updated forecast now indicates that the bitterly cold weather Connecticut has been experiencing will remain even longer with well below normal temperatures expected to persist for at least another week. In particular, overnight temperatures for this coming week are expected to dip into the single digits nearly every night.

This is the longest stretch of consecutive days Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol has been activated since 2015, when it was in effect for a 34-day period from January 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015.

“We haven’t seen a stretch of temperatures this cold in over a decade, and unfortunately it’s going to stick around for at least another week,” Governor Lamont said. “Weather this cold can be life threatening, and we have a network of state, municipal, and nonprofit partners who’ve been collaborating to ensure that shelter is available for anyone who needs a place to stay warm. I also want to remind everyone that leaving pets outdoors in these conditions can cause frostbite and hypothermia, and I strongly urge everyone to bring their pets indoors and protect them from this brutal weather.”

UPDATED January 26, 2026: Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to an updated weather forecast indicating that this stretch of brutally frigid temperatures Connecticut is experiencing will remain for at least another ten days, he is ordering the duration of the state’s currently enacted Severe Cold Weather Protocol to remain in effect until noon on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The protocol was initially enacted on Friday, January 23, 2026, and had been originally set to expire on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. However, the updated forecast now indicates that bitterly cold weather will remain even longer, with well below normal temperatures persisting into the middle of next week. Overnight temperatures over the next ten days will largely dip into the single digits, even reaching below zero on several nights.

With today’s extension, this current activation will become the longest duration of time that Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol has been consistently in effect without interruption for a single period in more than a decade.

“What we’re experiencing right now is an uninterrupted, long-duration cold spell that Connecticut hasn’t seen in many years, with well below normal temperatures expected to stick around for more than another week,” Governor Lamont said. “Shelters and warming centers are open throughout the state, and we are working with our municipal and nonprofit partners to ensure they have the resources to help anyone who needs this support.”

Governor Lamont announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at noon on Friday, January 23, 2026, and remaining in effect until noon on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, due to a blast of extremely cold air that will impact the state during this period.

Anyone in Need of Shelter is Urged to Visit 211ct.org or Call 2-1-1 For a List of Locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

This is expected to be an exceptionally frigid period that will deliver some of the coldest temperatures the state has experienced so far this season, particularly during the overnight hours when temperatures will get into the single digits and wind chills will dip below zero.

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

“We’re about to experience some of the coldest weather Connecticut has had in quite a while, and it cannot be stressed enough that temperatures this low can be fatal if someone is outside for too long,” Governor Lamont said. “This protocol enables us to partner with municipalities and nonprofits to see that shelters and warming centers are available for anyone in need. I also urge everyone to bring their pets indoors during this period because these conditions can be extremely dangerous for them, as well.”

The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:

• The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
• The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.