Press Release
For Immediate Release
January 18, 2026
Contact:
Jennifer Rose
Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.
Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org
City of Waterbury Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocol Ahead of Arctic Air
(WATERBURY, CT) In response to an incoming blast of arctic air and in coordination with the State of Connecticut, Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. has activated the City of Waterbury’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, through noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Forecasts indicate that dangerously cold conditions will develop late Monday and persist through mid-day Wednesday. High temperatures on Tuesday are expected to range between 15 and 25 degrees, which is 10 to 15 degrees below normal for this time of year. Wind gusts of 20 to 35 miles per hour are possible Monday night through Tuesday, resulting in wind chill values in the negative single digits to single digits Tuesday morning and remaining in the single digits for much of the day. Overnight temperatures on Tuesday night are expected to fall into single digits.
Prolonged exposure to these conditions can be life threatening, particularly for individuals experiencing homelessness, seniors, and other vulnerable populations.
To ensure residents have access to warmth and shelter, the City of Waterbury is working in coordination with the State of Connecticut, United Way 2-1-1, and local service providers. The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul Mission Shelter will operate as emergency warming shelters, with extended hours in effect for the duration of the Severe Cold Weather Protocol.
Warming Center and Shelter Locations and Hours (through Wednesday, January 21, 2026):
Salvation Army
74 Central Avenue
Open 24 hours a day
St. Vincent de Paul Mission Shelter
114 Benedict Street
Open 24 hours a day
Center for Human Development Hospitality Center
690 East Main Street
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Waterbury Senior Center
1985 East Main Street
Available to senior citizens from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. beginning on Tuesday.
Residents in need of shelter or a warming center are encouraged to call Connecticut 2-1-1, operated by United Way, or visit 211ct.org to find available locations.
City officials urge all residents to take appropriate precautions during this period of extreme cold, limit time outdoors, and check on elderly neighbors, family members, and others who may be vulnerable. Slightly warmer temperatures are expected to arrive later Wednesday, with a possibility of snow late Wednesday into Thursday.
For updates and additional information, residents are encouraged to visit www.waterburyct.org and monitor local weather advisories.