Burlington, Vermont – A colder pattern is settling across Vermont as December begins, triggering a December Snow Alert as winter in Burlington turns increasingly active. While it’s too early to determine exactly how many inches of snow could fall, one thing is clear: Vermont is favored to see an above-average amount as storm chances rise statewide.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, much of Vermont trends colder than normal through December with a slight lean toward above-normal precipitation across northern New England. According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, this setup often supports frequent snow events, including lake-enhanced bands near Lake Champlain and stronger systems riding along the Canadian border. Early signals suggest multiple windows for accumulating snow, especially during the second and third weeks of the month.
According to VTrans, travel hazards will increase along I-89, Route 7, and mountain passes such as Bolton, Smugglers’ Notch, and Route 100. Quick bursts of snow, black ice, and reduced visibility may slow the morning commute, especially before sunrise when temperatures stay well below freezing. Drivers should carry emergency gear, clear vehicle lights, and allow extra stopping distance on untreated roads.
Holiday events across central and northern Vermont may experience weather interruptions when clippers or coastal storms align with weekend gatherings. Rural areas should protect exposed pipes, secure generators, and prepare for isolated outages if heavy, wetter snow develops during stronger storms.
Confidence in specific snowfall totals remains low this early, but long-range trends point toward a colder and storm-friendly setup — raising the probability of a snowy December for Vermont and improving the odds of a White Christmas in many communities.
