Press Release

For Immediate Release

January 21, 2026

Contact:

Jennifer Rose

Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.

Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org

City of Waterbury Opens Warming Shelters- Activation of Severe Cold Weather Protocol

(WATERBURY, CT) Following Governor Ned Lamont’s activation of Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol due to a prolonged period of extreme cold, Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. has directed local shelters and service providers to open and extend operations to protect vulnerable residents beginning at noon on Friday, January 23, 2026, through noon on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

The coldest air of the season is expected to impact the region for up to five consecutive days. According to the National Weather Service, this period will bring exceptionally cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills, particularly Friday night. A potential snowstorm is also anticipated over the weekend, which may further affect travel and outdoor conditions.

“This activation by the state allows us to take immediate, coordinated action at the local level,” said Mayor Pernerewski. “By opening warming shelters and extending hours, we are making sure that no one is left without a safe place to go during this prolonged and dangerous cold spell. We urge residents to look out for one another and to use these resources if needed.”

Forecasted conditions include the following expected high and low temperatures and minimum wind chill values:

Friday: High 29, Low 4, minimum wind chill -15 Friday night
Saturday: High 13, Low 4, minimum wind chill 0 Saturday night
Sunday: High 16, Low 6, minimum wind chill -1 Sunday night
Monday: High 20, Low 15, minimum wind chill +1 Monday night
Tuesday: High 29, Low 16, minimum wind chill +8 Tuesday night
Wednesday: High 32, Low 18, minimum wind chill +15 Wednesday night

Prolonged exposure to these conditions can be life threatening, particularly for individuals experiencing homelessness, seniors, and other vulnerable populations.

Under Mayor Pernerewski’s direction, the City of Waterbury is coordinating with the State of Connecticut, United Way 2-1-1, and local service providers to ensure warming shelters are available throughout the duration of the protocol.

Warming Center and Shelter Locations and Hours (through Wednesday, January 28, 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. Monday - Friday

Residents who need shelter or a warming center are encouraged to call Connecticut 2-1-1, operated by United Way, or visit 211ct.org to locate available resources.

City officials remind residents to limit time outdoors, dress appropriately, use caution with heating sources, and check on elderly neighbors, family members, and others who may be vulnerable during this extreme cold event.

For updates and additional information, residents are encouraged to visit www.waterburyct.org and monitor local weather advisories.