Vermont – The cold bites hard across the Champlain Valley this morning, stinging exposed skin and crunching snow underfoot. Clear skies offer sunshine, but temperatures struggle to rise as wind chills dip toward dangerous levels early. It feels like mid-winter has fully arrived, and travel plans should adjust accordingly.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, temperatures today peak near 15 degrees with wind chills as low as 9 below zero. Clouds increase tonight, and light snow may develop late, with up to a half-inch possible. Roads could turn slick quickly as temperatures fall toward 11 degrees.
Saturday brings a brief break. Skies brighten, winds relax, and highs climb into the low 20s. That calmer window will be short-lived. By Sunday night, warmer air pushes in aloft while surface temperatures remain below freezing. That setup raises concern for freezing rain and sleet across northwestern and central Vermont.
Burlington, St. Albans, and stretches of I-89 could see light icing late Sunday night into early Monday. Even small ice amounts can cause hazardous travel, especially during the Monday morning commute. Rain becomes more likely Monday afternoon as temperatures rise toward the upper 30s, but melting snow may refreeze later.
Monday night turns colder again. Rain and snow showers linger with gusty winds, setting the stage for icy patches into Tuesday. Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, colder but quieter weather is expected, though lingering snow showers remain possible.
Drivers should slow down, watch bridges closely, and prepare for rapid changes. Winter conditions may deteriorate quickly once precipitation begins.
Five-Day Outlook for Burlington, VT
Today: Cold, decreasing clouds. High near 15°.
Tonight: Chance of snow late. Low near 11°.
Saturday: Partly sunny. High near 22°.
Sunday: Increasing clouds. High near 24°.
Monday: Freezing rain early, then rain and snow. High near 38°.
