Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee put out the joint press release below Friday morning in response to the subzero temperatures enveloping the area.
The City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County have opened an emergency warming shelter and are urging residents to take precautions as dangerously cold temperatures reach Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin.
The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Southeast Wisconsin beginning Thursday, January 22, at midnight through Friday, January 23, at 1:00 PM, followed by an Extreme Cold Advisory in effect through Saturday, January 24, at noon. Forecasted wind chills may reach -30 to -40 degrees, posing significant health risks, including frostbite and hypothermia.
In response to the extreme cold, the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD), Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), working in coordination with the Extreme Weather Task Force and community partners, have opened an emergency warming shelter and expanded access to warming locations across Milwaukee. The shelter will remain open through Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
Emergency Warming Shelter:
Washington Park Senior Center
4420 W. Vliet St.
Milwaukee, WI 53208
In addition to the emergency shelter, community-based organizations are providing warming locations for single adults, families, and other individuals in need. A list of warming locations and operating details is attached and may change as conditions evolve.
People in need of shelter, transportation, or other cold-weather assistance are encouraged to call 211, visit Impact211’s website, or text TXT-211 to be connected to available warming locations and support services. 211 is available 24/7 to support residents’ needs.
City-operated buildings will remain open on Friday. Non-emergency City field operations, such as garbage and recycling, will be suspended or limited due to extreme cold. City offices with client-facing services will continue operating as scheduled. Residents with appointments or business at City facilities should plan accordingly.
Milwaukee County facilities, including the Milwaukee County Courthouse, Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, community centers, and senior centers, will remain open as scheduled. Outdoor activities at Milwaukee County Parks will be closed. Some programs and services, such as the Congregate Dining program and Meals on Wheels, may be disrupted. Residents needing County services are encouraged to call ahead. Contact information for Milwaukee County departments can be found on Milwaukee County’s website.
People are encouraged to take steps to stay safe during extreme cold, including limiting time outdoors, dressing in layers, covering any exposed skin when outdoors, and checking on neighbors and loved ones, especially older adults. Cold weather safety tips are available on MHD’s Cold Weather Safety Information and Resources webpage.