Weather
Vermont Cold Snap Tonight: Mountain Valleys Could Hit 20 Degrees Oct 17-18
Burlington, VT – Vermont residents are preparing for what forecasters expect to be the coldest night of the fall season Saturday, October 17, with temperatures potentially plunging near 20 degrees in
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-17T09:40:39.676Z
Burlington, VT – Vermont residents are preparing for what forecasters expect to be the coldest night of the fall season Saturday, October 17, with temperatures potentially plunging near 20 degrees in colder mountain valleys before sunrise Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, widespread freezing temperatures are expected overnight across much of the region, with the coldest conditions developing in sheltered valleys and higher elevation communities.
Temperatures will range from near 20 degrees in colder mountain valleys to the lower 30s near Lake Champlain, creating a substantial temperature difference across the state.
Coldest Night of Fall Expected Tonight
The most significant temperature drop is expected Saturday night into early Sunday, October 18.
The National Weather Service forecast map indicates temperatures near 20 degrees in some colder interior valleys, while communities including Rutland, Middlebury and Montpelier are expected to experience temperatures well below freezing.
Burlington and other communities near Lake Champlain should remain somewhat warmer, with temperatures generally closer to the lower 30s.
Even these comparatively warmer locations could experience frost or freezing conditions overnight.
Freezing Temperatures Threaten Outdoor Plants
Temperatures near 20 degrees could damage or kill sensitive vegetation, particularly plants that have not yet been protected from autumn cold.
Residents should consider bringing potted plants indoors, covering vulnerable outdoor vegetation and protecting exposed plumbing where necessary.
The coldest conditions are expected in locations where temperatures fall rapidly overnight.
Warmer Weather Returns Early Next Week
Despite the sharp overnight cooldown, the National Weather Service expects temperatures to gradually recover during the early part of the upcoming week.
Dry conditions are also forecast to return, providing a more comfortable stretch of fall weather following the weekend's coldest night.
The warming trend should bring some relief to communities experiencing temperatures in the 20s.
However, residents should continue monitoring overnight temperatures as chilly fall mornings remain possible.
The latest forecasts and local weather alerts are available through the National Weather Service in Burlington at weather.gov/btv.