Vermont starts Monday with a cold glaze forming on windshields, sidewalks, and untreated roads as freezing rain settles into the Champlain Valley. The air feels raw and damp, and even light steps outside turn slick fast during the morning travel window.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through late afternoon. Freezing rain is expected to leave ice accumulations between two and four tenths of an inch, especially from Burlington south and east through northeastern Vermont. Isolated power outages and tree damage are possible as ice builds on branches and lines.
In Burlington, temperatures hover near freezing early, allowing rain to freeze on contact. Travel remains difficult through midday, particularly on Route 7, I-89 ramps, and neighborhood streets. Crews continue treating main roads, but secondary routes and sidewalks stay icy. Drivers should slow down, leave extra distance, and avoid sudden braking.
Conditions gradually change later today as temperatures rise above freezing. Rain mixes with wet snow at times, then colder air sweeps back in this evening. As temperatures fall again tonight, any leftover moisture may refreeze. That raises renewed black ice concerns before Tuesday morning.
Looking ahead, winter keeps a firm grip on end-of-year plans. Tuesday stays cold and breezy with spotty snow showers and highs in the teens. Clouds linger Wednesday, and snow chances increase again late Wednesday into Wednesday night, just as New Year’s Eve travel begins. Even light snow could create slushy roads after dark.
New Year’s Day 2026 turns colder but quieter, with sunshine returning and highs in the teens. Still, repeated freeze-thaw cycles mean slick spots may linger through the first weekend of the new year. Plan extra travel time, wear traction-friendly footwear, and check local road updates before heading out.
Five-Day Outlook for Burlington, VT
- Monday: Freezing rain early, rain and snow later, high near 41
- Tuesday: Chance of snow, breezy, high near 17
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, chance of snow late, high near 25
- New Year’s Day: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 14
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, cold, high near 20
