BURLINGTON, Vt. – Clear skies return Wednesday across Vermont, but by Thursday night, strong winds and soaking rain could snarl travel. Drivers on I-89 and surrounding highways should prepare for wet pavement, reduced visibility, and gusts topping 30 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, Wednesday will be mostly sunny with highs near 80 degrees. Winds remain light, but conditions turn quickly Thursday night. Forecasters call for showers after 8 p.m. with wind gusts near 28 mph and a 90 percent chance of rainfall. Rainfall totals could reach a half inch by Friday morning.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices, and expect possible slowdowns during Friday morning commutes. While Wednesday and Thursday daytime hours look favorable for outdoor plans, the late-week system may disrupt evening events, including high school football games across Chittenden and Washington counties.
Friday holds a 40 percent chance of showers with highs near 77, followed by another round of scattered rain Friday night into Saturday. Winds remain brisk through the weekend, signaling the early arrival of fall weather. Lake Champlain boaters should remain cautious as choppy conditions develop Thursday evening and persist into Saturday.
The storm system begins to weaken by Sunday with partly cloudy skies and calmer winds. By Monday, Burlington cools into the upper 60s under mostly sunny skies, marking the first true taste of fall.
Five Day Forecast for Burlington, VT:
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 80.
- Thursday: Sunny early, high 82. Showers late, gusts up to 30 mph.
- Friday: Showers possible, high 77. Breezy.
- Saturday: 50% chance of showers, high 75.
- Sunday: Partly cloudy, high 68.
