UPDATE (February 3, 2026): This story has been updated after Governor Ned Lamont announced that he will extend the Severe Cold Weather Protocol through February 10.

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HARTFORD — On Tuesday, February 2, Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is extending the duration of the state’s currently activated Severe Cold Weather Protocol to remain in effect through at least noon on Tuesday, February 10, as this long-duration stretch of brutally frigid temperatures in Connecticut continues.

The protocol was initially activated on Friday, January 23, and was most recently set to expire on Thursday, February 5. However, the updated forecast now indicates that the bitterly cold weather Connecticut has been experiencing will remain even longer with well below normal temperatures expected to persist for at least another week.

In particular, overnight temperatures for this coming week are expected to dip into the single digits nearly every night.

This is the longest stretch of consecutive days Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol has been activated since 2015, when it was in effect for a 34-day period from January 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015.

With the recent extension, Lamont said Connecticut has not seen a stretch of temperature this cold in over a decade.

While Lamont said it is unfortunate the protocol will remain for at least another week, he noted that weather this cold can be life threatening.

"We have a network of state, municipal, and nonprofit partners who’ve been collaborating to ensure that shelter is available for anyone who needs a place to stay warm," Lamont said.

Leaving pets outdoors in these conditions, Lamont said, can cause frostbite and hypothermia.

He added, "I strongly urge everyone to bring their pets indoors and protect them from this brutal weather.”

The purpose of the 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.

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.

Local Numbers & Information

Newtown residents are reminded of local important numbers & contact information:

If there is a Life Safety Emergency, call 911;

Connecticut’s free information and referral service: call 211 or visit 211ct.org;

Power outage: call Eversource, 800-286-2000, or (when possible) report through the utility's website, eversource.com;

Emergency Management/Office of the Fire Marshal: 203-270-4370;

Health District: 203-270-4291;

CodeRED: register at Emergency Management on the Public Safety page on the Town of Newtown’s website newtown-ct.gov/emergency-management or call 203-270-4370 for assistance;

Smart 911: register at Emergency Management on the Public Safety page on the Town of Newtown’s website (newtown-ct.gov/emergency-management); and

Check News and Announcements on the Town website (newtown-ct.gov). Residents can also register to receive news at newtown-ct.gov/subscribe.