BURLINGTON, Vt. – The sky sits low and gray over the Green Mountains this morning, the air damp and raw — and by Friday, that stillness will give way to a messy mix of rain, sleet, and snow across northern Vermont and upstate New York.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, a light rain-and-snow mix may redevelop early Friday before steadier snow showers spread south through the Champlain Valley by evening. Roads could turn slick in higher terrain and across mountain passes from Stowe to Jay Peak, where temperatures will dip near freezing by nightfall. Wind gusts up to 20 mph could also create brief visibility drops during heavier bursts of snow.
The agency issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northern and central Vermont as well as northern New York, warning of potential freezing rain late Saturday and early Sunday. Forecasters say this system could coat bridges and untreated roads with a thin layer of ice, particularly along Route 2 and I-89 near Montpelier and Burlington. Travelers and early holiday shoppers should allow extra time, use winter tires if equipped, and avoid sudden braking on shaded stretches.
After the weekend system passes, temperatures will stay near seasonal averages, with highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s — a clear sign that late fall’s days are numbered. For now, residents should prepare for wet commutes, slushy driveways, and the season’s first meaningful taste of winter across the North Country.
Five-Day Forecast for Burlington, VT:
Fri: 36/25 – Rain and snow showers; little accumulation, breezy.
Sat: 38/31 – Partly sunny; late-day mix possible north.
Sun: 44/28 – Rain likely; freezing rain risk early.
Mon: 39/26 – Mostly cloudy; colder, breezy north wind.
Tue: 37/28 – Cloudy; scattered snow showers, chilly pattern continues.
