BURLINGTON, Vt. – A hard fall freeze will grip northern New York and much of Vermont overnight tonight, from 8PM until 8AM Friday, as clear skies and calm winds allow temperatures to plunge into the 20s—ending the growing season across much of the North Country.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, a Freeze Warning remains in effect for a wide area including Burlington, Plattsburgh, St. Albans, Rutland, Montpelier, and Middlebury, as well as the Adirondack foothills and Connecticut River Valley. Lows are expected to reach as cold as 24 degrees in colder valleys and higher terrain.
Forecasters warn that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, damage unprotected outdoor plumbing, and harm sensitive vegetation. Residents are urged to cover or move plants indoors, shut off exterior water sources, and wrap pipes before nightfall. Pets and livestock should be provided with shelter and unfrozen water sources.
The cold will settle quickly after sunset, with widespread frost forming before midnight. Drivers along I-89, Route 7, and the Adirondack Northway (I-87) should be prepared for frosty windshields and icy patches on rural roads early Friday.
According to meteorologists, this will be the coldest night so far this fall, signaling the official end of the growing season for much of Vermont and the Adirondacks. Temperatures will rebound slightly this weekend, though another cold surge is possible early next week.
