Baltimore, January 3, 2026
Baltimore is facing significant challenges as a winter storm approaches, leading to closures of Baltimore City Public Schools and Maryland government offices. Officials have taken measures to ensure public safety, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. School officials revealed plans for virtual instruction during the winter break, while the state government declared a State of Emergency. With snowfall predictions of 8 to 12 inches, community members are encouraged to stay informed and support one another as they navigate this critical weather situation.
Baltimore City Schools and State Government Offices Closed Due to Winter Storm
Stay Safe: Baltimore Responds to Severe Weather Threats
Baltimore is preparing for significant snowfall as a winter storm approaches, with authorities taking proactive measures to ensure public safety. Baltimore City Public Schools and various Maryland government offices have announced closures and service delays to mitigate risks associated with hazardous road conditions.
As community members navigate this challenging weather, it is crucial to support one another and adhere to the guidance provided by local leaders and the government. Their timely decisions reflect a commitment to public welfare, emphasizing the importance of prepared and informed neighborhoods.
School Closures Announced
Baltimore City Public Schools are currently on winter break, which began on December 24, 2025, and will continue until January 4, 2026. The district plans to conduct virtual instruction from January 4 through January 8, 2026, to reduce potential COVID-19 transmission risks associated with holiday gatherings. In-person learning is scheduled to resume on January 11, 2026. During the virtual period, district offices will remain open, and families should stay updated on service availability by checking district communications.
Maryland Government Response
Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency due to the winter storm, expected to impact Maryland from January 5 through January 7, 2025. With predictions of 8 to 12 inches of snowfall in parts of the state, state government offices will be closed on January 6, 2025. Residents are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel during this period and to stay informed by following local weather updates.
Local School District Adjustments
In light of the impending winter storm, several surrounding school districts have made schedule adjustments:
- Baltimore County Public Schools will dismiss students two hours early on January 3, 2025, canceling all after-school and evening activities. School and central offices will remain operational.
- Carroll County Public Schools and Frederick County Public Schools will also dismiss students two hours early the same day, with all planned after-school and evening activities canceled.
- Howard County Public Schools will close 90 minutes early on January 3, 2025, with aftercare and evening activities being canceled.
- Harford County Public Schools have canceled all after-school activities, including aftercare, on January 3, 2025.
It remains essential for residents to stay updated on the latest notifications regarding school closures and service changes from their local school districts.
Key Takeaways
The current winter storm has prompted Baltimore City and Maryland officials to act decisively to ensure the safety of residents. With school closures and state office closures in effect, the focus remains on collective wellbeing and preparedness against winter hazards. By adhering to local guidance and supporting one another within the community, Baltimore can navigate this challenging weather while fostering a resilient community spirit.
Residents are encouraged to follow any evolving updates on weather conditions, school schedules, and government service availability throughout this winter storm period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of Baltimore City Public Schools?
Baltimore City Public Schools are on winter break from December 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The district has scheduled virtual instruction from January 4 through January 8, 2026, to reduce potential COVID-19 transmission risks associated with holiday gatherings. In-person learning is set to resume on January 11, 2026. During the virtual instruction period, district offices will remain open, and some services will transition to virtual operations. Families should refer to district communications for detailed schedules and information on accessing services during this time. Meal service availability will vary across the closure windows, with school meal sites remaining open from December 21 through December 23, 2025, to provide meals before the extended break.
Have Maryland government offices been affected by the winter storm?
Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency due to the anticipated winter storm, which is forecasted to impact Maryland from Sunday, January 5, into Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The storm is expected to cause hazardous road conditions and affect public transportation, with the potential for significant snowfall throughout the state, including a projected 8 to 12 inches in some regions. In response, state government offices will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025. Maryland residents are strongly encouraged to avoid travel during the storm, follow local forecasts, and stay prepared for winter storm hazards.
Which local school districts have announced closures or delays?
Several local school districts have adjusted their schedules in anticipation of the winter storm:
- Baltimore County Public Schools will dismiss students two hours early on Friday, January 3, 2025, due to expected inclement weather. All after-school and evening activities are canceled. School and central offices will remain open.
- Carroll County Public Schools and Frederick County Public Schools have announced two-hour early dismissals on the same day, with all after-school and evening activities canceled.
- Howard County Public Schools will close 90 minutes early on Friday, January 3, 2025, with aftercare, afternoon, and evening activities canceled.
- Harford County Public Schools have canceled all after-school activities, including aftercare, on Friday, January 3, 2025.
For the most current information on school closures and service delays, residents are advised to consult official communications from their local school districts and government offices.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Baltimore City Public Schools Winter Break | December 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026 |
| Virtual Instruction Period | January 4 – January 8, 2026 |
| In-Person Learning Resumes | January 11, 2026 |
| Maryland State Government Office Closure | January 6, 2025 |
| Projected Snowfall | 8 to 12 inches in some regions |
| Local School District Adjustments | Early dismissals and activity cancellations on January 3, 2025 |
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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
