Burlington, Vermont – Temperatures will surge into the 40s by Saturday afternoon before plunging into the teens by early Monday, creating rapid freeze-thaw cycles that could slick down I-89, US-7 and Route 2 with black ice. Drivers heading out this weekend should prepare now for changing road conditions that may shift within hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, a gradual warming trend will push highs well above normal Saturday, with many communities across northern Vermont and the Champlain Valley reaching the low to mid-40s. That mild air will linger into early Sunday before a strong cold front sweeps through later Sunday, sending temperatures tumbling sharply into early next week.
The quick drop, potentially more than 20 degrees in less than 12 hours, raises concern for refreezing on untreated surfaces. Melted snow along shoulders and parking lots in Burlington, South Burlington, Montpelier and Rutland could harden overnight, especially on elevated stretches of I-89 and US-7. In Plattsburgh, drivers along I-87 may also encounter patchy ice by the Monday morning commute.
While mainly dry weather is expected into the weekend, scattered snow showers early Thursday may briefly reduce visibility in higher terrain before tapering off. The larger concern remains the temperature swing and its impact on infrastructure, including sidewalks, secondary roads and bridge decks.
Residents should clear storm drains, watch for falling ice from rooftops and allow extra travel time late Sunday night into Monday morning. More updates are expected as the cold front approaches, and additional advisories could be issued if road conditions deteriorate early next week.
