BURLINGTON, VT – Winds whip across Lake Champlain this morning as a sharp Arctic front sweeps through northern Vermont, bringing gusty snow showers and plunging temperatures that will mark the start of a bitter early December chill.
The National Weather Service in Burlington says snow showers will intensify through midmorning, with bursts heavy enough to briefly cut visibility to under half a mile. While total accumulation will stay under an inch, the fast-moving squalls and wind gusts near 30 mph could quickly slick up roads and bridges, especially on I-89 and Route 7. Drivers are urged to slow down and be alert for flash-freeze spots as temperatures drop sharply by late afternoon.
Behind the front, frigid air surges in, dropping wind chills into the single digits by evening. Friday stays bright but bitter, with highs struggling to reach 21°F under full sunshine. By Saturday, calmer winds and partial clouds offer a short break, before a new chance of snow showers returns Sunday into Monday as the region remains locked in a classic early-winter pattern.
Meteorologists say this Arctic push signals the true arrival of December cold, with reinforcing shots of polar air likely next week. Long-range trends suggest a broader snowy pattern developing Dec. 11–17 across the Great Lakes and Northeast — a potential concern for holiday travelers as the winter storm track strengthens.
Five-Day Outlook (Burlington, VT)
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 21°F.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 33°F.
- Sunday: Chance of snow, high 26°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 28°F.
- Tuesday: Chance of snow, high 32°F.
