BURLINGTON, Vt. – NOAA’s latest long-range guidance, issued Thursday, Oct. 16, shows a strong signal for a cold, snowy stretch across Vermont through winter 2026, with frequent systems likely from January into early March. La Niña continues to anchor the jet stream over the northern U.S., feeding cold air and steady moisture into the Green Mountains.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, above-normal precipitation and near- to below-normal temperatures are forecast for most of the state. “This setup points to a traditional Vermont winter — steady snow, brief thaws, then more cold,” forecasters said Thursday. “We expect multiple moderate to heavy snow events, especially in higher elevations.”
Towns including Rutland, Stowe, and Montpelier could see several six-inch-plus snowfalls between mid-January and late February, while Burlington and the Champlain Valley may experience alternating snow and ice, depending on lake-effect influence. State crews along I-89 and U.S. 7 are preparing for frequent plowing, black ice, and reduced visibility during back-to-back systems.
Residents are urged to secure heating fuel, inspect generators, and restock essentials as winter tightens its grip. NOAA cautions that deep frost and dense snowpack could persist into March, delaying meltwater runoff and spring fieldwork. The strongest Arctic surges may also bring wind chills below zero — especially across the Northeast Kingdom and mountain passes.
For Vermont, Winter 2026 looks long, cold, and full of snow — a season tailor-made for ski slopes but demanding serious preparedness from every household.
