BURLINGTON, VT — The sky hangs low and gray over Lake Champlain this morning, a soft drizzle painting car windshields and wet leaves clinging to the pavement. The calm won’t last long — a series of powerful fall systems will sweep through Vermont, bringing gusty winds, heavy rain, and even early snow chances before the start of next week.
The National Weather Service in Burlington says temperatures near 40°F early today will rise modestly into the low 40s before a cold front pushes across the region. Rain becomes steadier later this morning and could mix briefly with snow across higher elevations before tapering by afternoon. Winds from the northwest may gust near 30 mph, especially along exposed ridges and near the I-89 corridor.
By Friday, another system builds from the southwest, pulling in mild air and widespread rain. Highs reach the upper 40s to low 50s, with periods of moderate rain and strong gusts up to 30 mph by evening. Expect slick roads and ponding in low-lying areas as rainfall totals climb near half an inch.
Saturday offers a brief break, though clouds linger with highs around 53°F. Rain returns Sunday, possibly transitioning to a rain-snow mix Sunday night into Monday, signaling the first true taste of early winter for northern Vermont.
Looking beyond the weekend, Veterans Day Tuesday turns colder and raw, with highs in the upper 30s and scattered snow showers possible across the Green Mountains.
The message is clear: late-fall weather is shifting gears, and Vermont residents should prepare now for the quick march toward winter.
Five-Day Outlook for Burlington, VT:
Thu: 42/28 – Rain, breezy, clearing late.
Fri: 49/44 – Rain likely, windy.
Sat: 53/34 – Mostly cloudy, cooler.
Sun: 49/34 – Rain likely.
Mon: 43/27 – Rain-snow mix possible.
Tue (Veterans Day): 38/26 – Cold, scattered snow showers.
