Vermont – The air feels brittle along the Lake Champlain shoreline this morning, with frost clinging to parked cars and patches of ice glinting on sidewalks. Temperatures in Burlington sit near 5 degrees, but the cold cuts deeper when even light winds sweep off the lake, driving wind chills below zero.
According to the National Weather Service office serving northern Vermont, dangerously cold conditions continue through Sunday morning. Wind chills as low as 10 to 15 below zero are expected at times, especially during the early morning hours. Prolonged exposure can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, even with minimal wind.
Across Chittenden County, daily routines are already affected. Treated roads appear dry, but shaded areas refroze quickly after minor melting, creating slick spots. Drivers along I-89, Route 7, and neighborhood streets are urged to watch for sudden black ice, particularly on bridges and ramps. Walking surfaces remain icy near the waterfront and downtown side streets.
Sunshine breaks through at times today, though it does little to ease the cold. Highs struggle to reach the low teens. Sunday stays cold as well, with brisk north winds keeping wind chills near minus 10 during the afternoon. Conditions gradually improve Monday as calmer weather allows highs to climb into the low 20s.
By midweek, temperatures trend slightly milder, though still below seasonal averages. Another weak system may bring snow showers later in the week, and any daytime melting could refreeze quickly after sunset. This pattern keeps flash freezing a daily concern for commuters and pedestrians.
Looking ahead to the first full week of February, longer-range outlooks suggest colder-than-normal air lingering across New England, with limited precipitation but continued freeze-thaw cycles. Additional weather alerts remain possible.
Heading out today? Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and slow down on icy surfaces. How are conditions where you live?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Burlington, VT
- Today: Partly sunny. High near 12°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny and cold. High near 11°F.
- Monday: Sunny. High near 22°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High near 26°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. High near 22°F.
