Montpelier, VT – Vermont is bracing for its first major Arctic blast of the season as bitterly cold air moves into the state beginning Saturday, November 30, and lasting through the first week of December.
According to the National Weather Service, a strong surge of Arctic air will push south from Canada, driving temperatures far below normal across the northern U.S. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 50–70% chance of below-average temperatures throughout the Green Mountain State, with lows dipping into the single digits and wind chills dropping below zero by Monday morning.
Drivers along I-89, stretching from Burlington through Montpelier to White River Junction, are urged to plan for icy roadways and low visibility during the morning commute. The National Blend of Models (NBM) projects that temperatures may not climb above the mid-20s during the day, marking a sharp shift into winter conditions.
This early December cold snap signals the season’s first widespread Arctic intrusion, affecting much of the Midwest and Northeast. Meanwhile, the southern U.S. is forecast to remain warmer than usual, underscoring the dramatic temperature contrast across the country.
Residents are encouraged to dress in layers, check heating systems, and monitor local forecasts for wind chill advisories or road condition updates.
