Burlington, Vt. – The morning starts comfortably across the Champlain Valley, but don’t let the cool air fool you. Sunshine will steadily build the heat today before a much hotter and more active weather pattern arrives by Tuesday, setting up one of the warmest stretches of the summer so far.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, today’s temperatures climb to 88 degrees with only a 30% chance of a brief afternoon shower. The bigger story develops Tuesday, when highs surge to 96 degrees and the heat index approaches 100 degrees. South winds will become gusty during the afternoon before a cold front approaches Tuesday night.
The National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook also highlights a minor to moderate heat risk Tuesday, especially across the Champlain Valley. Forecasters are monitoring thunderstorms expected late Tuesday into Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center places communities along the international border in a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for damaging winds, while the remainder of the region, including Burlington, is under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5). While tornado potential remains low, an isolated tornado cannot be completely ruled out with stronger thunderstorms.
Residents traveling along Interstate 89, U.S. Route 2 and Interstate 189 should expect excellent driving conditions through much of today, but conditions could deteriorate quickly Tuesday evening if thunderstorms develop. Outdoor workers, hikers and anyone attending events along the Lake Champlain waterfront should stay hydrated and limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Behind the front, Wednesday turns less oppressive with highs near 86 degrees, although a few lingering showers remain possible before drier air returns. Sunshine dominates Thursday with much more comfortable temperatures.
Five-Day Forecast for Burlington, Vermont
- Today: Mostly sunny with a slight chance of afternoon showers. High 88°F.
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Low 69°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot. High 96°F. Heat index up to 100°F.
- Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 73°F. Chance of rain 70%.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High 86°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 85°F.
