Burlington, Vermont – A prolonged stretch of unsettled winter weather is expected to impact Vermont beginning Thursday, with rising precipitation chances and fluctuating temperatures creating an elevated risk for snow, sleet, and freezing rain through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, Vermont is firmly within an above-normal precipitation zone from Thursday through Monday. Temperatures are expected to hover near seasonal averages, a setup that favors mixed precipitation, especially during nighttime and early morning hours.
Northern and central Vermont, including Burlington, St. Albans, Montpelier, and Stowe, are most likely to see periods of snow transitioning to sleet or freezing rain as warmer air moves in aloft. The Green Mountains could see snow accumulation at higher elevations, while valleys face a greater threat of ice. Southern Vermont, including Rutland and Brattleboro, may experience more rain at times, though brief freezing rain remains possible during colder windows.
Travel conditions could deteriorate quickly on major routes such as Interstate 89, Interstate 91, and Route 7, particularly during heavier precipitation or overnight temperature drops. Even minor ice accretion can create hazardous driving conditions, especially on untreated secondary roads and mountain passes.
This pattern is being driven by a broad eastern U.S. cold front that keeps cold air locked in place at the surface while moisture continues to feed into New England. While widespread power outages are not anticipated, localized issues cannot be ruled out if ice builds on trees and power lines.
Vermonters are encouraged to monitor local alerts, reduce non-essential travel during icy periods, and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions. The unsettled pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with additional advisories or warnings possible as confidence increases.
