Vermont wakes to biting March air and a hard freeze gripping the Champlain Valley. Temperatures sit near 20 degrees in Burlington after sunrise, and breath hangs in the air along Lake Champlain. Pavement looks dry now, but the cold is deep enough to refreeze any meltwater fast.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, Burlington International Airport reported 20 degrees with light north wind around 3 mph just before 5 a.m. Skies stay mostly sunny through midday, with highs reaching only 32 degrees. A 30 percent chance of snow showers develops after 5 p.m., with little accumulation expected.
Even light snow can glaze bridges quickly.
Drivers on I-89 and Route 7 should watch for slick stretches toward evening, especially where daytime melting refreezes. This is prime flash-freezing season across northern Vermont. Plan extra time if traveling after sunset.
Clouds increase tonight with another 30 percent chance of snow showers before early Sunday. Lows fall near 23 degrees. Sunday rebounds to 45 degrees under partly sunny skies. Monday pushes even milder, with highs near 55 degrees and dry conditions for most of the day.
Rain moves in Tuesday with an 80 percent chance and highs near 55. Showers continue into Wednesday, with temperatures climbing to 58 before cooling late week. Wet roads and ponding could slow the midweek commute.
Keep winter coats handy now, but spring is trying to break through. Longer-range signals point to above-normal temperatures heading into early April.
Traveling later today? Let us know if you see flakes flying in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Outlook for Burlington, VT:
Sunday: Partly sunny, high 45.
Monday: Partly sunny, high 55.
Tuesday: Rain likely, high 55.
Wednesday: Rain, high 58.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 40.
