ALERT: Severe Cold Weather Protocol Activation: 12/25 – 12/28

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and remaining in effect until 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, due to a blast of arctic conditions that will impact the state during this period, including wind chills during the overnight hours that are expected to drop into the single digits and near zero in some areas.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

“It’s looking like Christmas morning will start off with relatively normal temperatures for this time of year, however once the sun sets in the evening a cold blast will come into Connecticut and remain for the next several days,” Governor Lamont said. “With occasional gusts reaching up to 20 miles per hour, the winds will make it feel like it’s in the single digits and close to zero during the overnight hours. Activating this protocol helps ensure that shelters and warming centers are available across the state to anyone in need. If you or anyone you know is in need of a place to stay warm, please visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to get connected to these resources.”

The purpose of the state’s Severe Cold Weather 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.

Read the full press release here.

The Cold Weather Protocol is activated when dangerously cold conditions are forecast—such as temperatures or wind chills in the single digits or lower—based on National Weather Service data, and reflects a values-driven shift toward protecting as many people as possible during extreme cold, especially those who are unhoused or otherwise vulnerable.

When activated, state and local partners act early and in coordination to remove barriers to warmth and safety through clear public communication, encouragement for municipalities to open warming centers or temporary shelters, and close collaboration among agencies, first responders, and service providers. United Way 211 operates 24/7 to connect people in need to shelters, warming centers, transportation, or hotel accommodations, with emergency services engaged when situations are life-threatening.

Special emphasis is placed on supporting those at highest risk, including people experiencing homelessness, individuals with mental health or substance use challenges, and families with children, with outreach teams proactively responding. Overall, the protocol prioritizes prevention, flexibility, and compassion to ensure everyone has access to warmth, shelter, and care during extreme cold.