Burlington, VT – The wind is already picking up across Lake Champlain, where early November’s calm is giving way to a powerful midweek system barreling toward northern New England. Leaves whip through downtown streets, the lake churns white under a gray sky, and by Wednesday, gusts near 50 mph could batter much of Vermont and northern New York.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, a strong low-pressure system passing north of Lake Ontario will push gusty southwest winds through Wednesday morning, shifting northwest by afternoon. The windiest zones will include the Adirondacks, Champlain Valley, and eastern Green Mountains, where gusts from 35 to 50 mph may bring scattered power outages and blow loose debris.
Rain begins by midday Wednesday and could turn steady through evening. Cooler air rushes in late, dropping temperatures into the upper 30s by Thursday morning. Rainfall totals of up to a half inch are expected, with wet leaves potentially making roads slick. Travelers should plan extra time, especially along I-89 and Route 7.
Thursday brings partial clearing but stays breezy, with highs near 48°F. Another round of rain is likely Friday into early Saturday, followed by drier, brisk air for the weekend.
Long-range models hint that northern Vermont could see its first snowflakes of the season before mid-November — a typical signal that winter’s grip is edging closer.
For now, residents should secure outdoor items, prep for blustery commutes, and stay alert for possible power interruptions as this classic November windstorm sweeps through.
