Burlington, Vermont – Vermont is entering one of its most sustained Arctic stretches of the winter, with bitter cold expected to tighten its grip from late January into early February and little evidence of relief before Valentine’s Day. From Lake Champlain’s shoreline to the spine of the Green Mountains, temperatures will remain well below seasonal norms, turning everyday routines into cold-weather challenges.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks through the end of January and into mid-February strongly favor below-normal readings across all of Vermont. Multiple outlook periods show a persistent Arctic pattern, keeping the cold entrenched across New England as February begins.
In Burlington, daytime highs may struggle to climb out of the teens at times, while nighttime lows frequently dip into the single digits or below zero, especially when winds funnel down Lake Champlain. Montpelier and Barre are likely to see colder overnight lows, with subzero temperatures becoming routine. In the Northeast Kingdom, including St. Johnsbury and Newport, Arctic air could hold daytime temperatures near zero on the coldest days, increasing strain on heating systems and vehicles.
The prolonged cold elevates risks for frostbite and hypothermia, particularly for anyone spending extended time outdoors. Wind chills in exposed areas along Route 15, Route 2, and higher elevations near Smugglers’ Notch and Killington may reach dangerous levels. Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit time outside, keep pets indoors, and ensure homes are prepared for extended freezing conditions, including protecting pipes and checking backup heat sources.
While brief temperature moderation is possible, long-range signals suggest Vermont’s Arctic chill may not ease meaningfully until after Valentine’s Day. Additional cold weather advisories are likely as the state remains locked in this deep winter pattern.
