Burlington, Vermont – A midwinter warm-up could create slippery travel conditions across Vermont as milder air increases the potential for rain and freezing rain during the January 9–13 period.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Vermont is favored to see above-normal temperatures during this stretch, while precipitation trends near normal. That setup often leads to mixed precipitation events, especially when surface temperatures remain near freezing while warmer air moves overhead.
Northern Vermont and the Northeast Kingdom, including St. Johnsbury and Newport, face the highest risk for freezing rain, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours. Even light ice accumulation could create hazardous conditions on Route 5, Route 15, and higher-elevation roads where cold air tends to hold longer.
In the Champlain Valley, including Burlington and Middlebury, precipitation is more likely to fall as rain, though brief periods of freezing rain cannot be ruled out if temperatures dip after sunset. Southern Vermont may also see rain-dominated systems, limiting snow but increasing runoff concerns.
Drivers are encouraged to monitor changing conditions closely and use caution during commutes as temperatures fluctuate. Additional weather advisories may be issued as the pattern becomes clearer closer to mid-January, especially if colder air presses southward.
