Vermont greets the morning with stiff cold, pale sunlight, and frozen ground that crunches underfoot. That quiet start will not last. A strengthening December storm system is lining up to bring rain, strong winds, and a possible snow changeover by Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures remain cold early, then trend milder midweek. Today stays quiet with increasing clouds and highs near the upper 20s. Roads remain mostly dry, but cold pavement lingers, especially in shaded areas.
Wednesday turns breezy and noticeably milder. Highs climb into the mid-30s, and some light precipitation may mix in by afternoon. Snowflakes could briefly blend with rain, an early sign of a changing pattern. Wet pavement develops quickly as temperatures rise.
Conditions deteriorate Thursday. Gusty south winds increase through the afternoon, with gusts topping 40 mph at times. Rain becomes widespread by late day and continues into Thursday night. Travel may slow as visibility drops and water pools on roadways.
By Friday morning, colder air presses back in. Rain may mix with or change to snow before tapering. Even light snow could create issues as temperatures fall sharply Friday night into the teens. Meteorologists warn this setup favors flash freezing, especially on bridges, ramps, and untreated roads.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items before winds increase. Plan extra travel time Thursday evening and early Friday. Keep winter gear ready, even if rain falls first.
Looking toward the weekend, calmer weather returns. Saturday turns partly sunny but remains cold, with highs near the upper 20s. Sunday moderates slightly, though winter stays firmly in control.
5-Day Outlook for Burlington, VT
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 28
- Wednesday: Breezy, chance of rain/snow, high near 36
- Thursday: Windy, rain likely, high near 40
- Friday: Rain changing to snow, high near 47 early
- Saturday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 28
