Burlington, Vermont – Vermonters may feel a noticeable break from persistent winter cold by Thursday as temperatures rise above freezing, setting up a brief but impactful mid-February thaw with changing road and snowpack conditions across the state.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 8–14 day outlook valid from Friday, February 13 through Thursday, February 19 shows a strong signal for above-normal temperatures statewide. Daytime highs are expected to push into the mid to upper 30s beginning Thursday, accelerating snowmelt and increasing slushy conditions on area roads.
Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, and St. Johnsbury all fall within the warmer-than-average zone, with even the Northeast Kingdom trending milder than seasonal norms. While the warmer air reduces extreme cold stress, it introduces the risk of refreezing overnight as lows dip back toward freezing, particularly on untreated roads, bridges, and mountain passes such as Route 2 and Route 4.
Precipitation probabilities remain near to slightly above normal during this period, raising the chance for rain or mixed rain and snow as temperatures fluctuate. Melting snow combined with rainfall could lead to ponding water, clogged storm drains, and slick conditions during the morning and evening commutes.
The milder pattern is expected to persist into the middle of next week. Residents are advised to stay alert for updated advisories as timing of precipitation and refreeze risks become clearer across Vermont.
