Burlington, VT – A historic extreme cold outbreak that struck northern New England three years ago remains one of the most severe cold events in recent memory.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, an arctic air mass moved into the region during the morning hours of February 3, 2023, and persisted through the evening of February 4. While the broader winter season was not especially cold overall, the intensity of this brief outbreak set it apart.
Temperatures plunged well below zero across Vermont and northern New York, with overnight lows ranging from 15 to 25 degrees below zero in many locations. Strong winds compounded the danger, producing widespread wind chill values between minus 30 and minus 45 degrees. A few isolated observations approached minus 50 degrees, particularly in exposed and higher-elevation areas.
In the Champlain Valley, the extreme cold combined with Lake Champlain’s relatively warmer waters to create rare “steam devils,” a phenomenon similar to steam fog, visible rising from the lake’s surface. Gusty winds made the cold especially hazardous along major travel corridors such as I-89, U.S. Route 2, and I-87 across northern New York.
The impacts were significant. Numerous schools, businesses, ski resorts, and outdoor events were closed or canceled due to the life-threatening conditions. Frostbite risk on exposed skin was measured in minutes, and residents were urged to remain indoors unless travel was absolutely necessary.
Observed wind chill values reported by county showed readings as low as minus 52 degrees in parts of Vermont and northern New York, including Addison, Caledonia, and Orleans counties. Even typically sheltered valley locations experienced dangerous conditions.
The National Weather Service notes that events of this magnitude, while rare, highlight the importance of cold-weather preparedness, including reliable heating, layered clothing, and limiting outdoor exposure.
As winter patterns fluctuate year to year, this outbreak remains a benchmark for extreme cold across the North Country.
