Vermont — A sharp northwest wind sweeps across Lake Champlain before sunrise, rattling loose branches and pushing crisp air through Burlington’s neighborhoods. The sky holds a muted steel-gray tone, signaling a shift toward a livelier pattern as Thanksgiving travel accelerates across I-89, Route 7, and feeder roads into Chittenden County.
Today stays quiet, though gusts near 23 mph may challenge early leaf-cleanup efforts. According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, skies turn calmer by evening as cold air settles in. Residents should bundle up for quick trips outside and secure any porch decorations ahead of Thursday’s wetter system.
Wednesday offers a bright, steady break with highs near the upper 30s and only a gentle breeze. After all, the lull arrives at a helpful time with families preparing for the holiday rush. Clouds thicken Wednesday night as a weak disturbance approaches from the Great Lakes. Models hint at a Winter Tease north of the city, where colder pockets could briefly support a mixed grain of sleet before daybreak Thursday. No accumulation is expected, but drivers in higher terrain should watch for slick bridges and sudden dips in visibility.
Thursday trends milder with highs in the low 40s. Light rain develops late afternoon and spreads across the Champlain Valley by evening. Travel may slow on wet roadways as winds shift southerly and traffic builds toward major terminals.
Friday brings the steadiest rainfall of the week. Bands of heavier showers may push through before midday, raising concerns for congested travel windows, especially for those heading south toward Rutland or east toward Montpelier. To be fair, temperatures stay well above freezing, but the rain could still create pockets of ponding during peak travel.
