Burlington, Vermont – Vermont residents should prepare for renewed winter travel challenges as a favorable pattern for accumulating snow takes shape across the state heading into late January.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Vermont falls within a slight risk for heavy snow from Saturday through the following Friday, a signal that one or more organized winter systems could bring impactful snowfall during that stretch. The risk covers the entire state, from the Champlain Valley to the Northeast Kingdom.
In northwestern Vermont, including Burlington and surrounding Chittenden County, colder-than-normal air is expected to remain in place, supporting snow rather than rain with any incoming systems. That could lead to slick conditions along Interstate 89 and area secondary roads during periods of steadier snowfall.
Central Vermont communities such as Montpelier may see multiple rounds of snow spaced out over several days, increasing cumulative impacts on travel and municipal operations. Farther south, including Rutland and the southern Green Mountains, elevation-driven enhancement could allow snowfall totals to add up quickly if storm tracks align.
Vermont Agency of Transportation officials recommend monitoring road conditions, allowing extra time for travel, and keeping winter safety supplies on hand. With below-normal temperatures favored across New England, snow that falls is likely to linger between systems.
More refined outlooks and potential advisories are expected as the late-January timeframe approaches, with confidence increasing by early next week.
