Weather
Vermont Weather Alert: Freezing Temps Possible Oct 17-18
Burlington, VT – Temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 32 degrees early Sunday, October 18, bringing a near freezing start to the day across the Burlington area before sunshine and warmer
By Miles Carter · 2026-10-16T08:01:40.066Z
Burlington, VT – Temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 32 degrees early Sunday, October 18, bringing a near freezing start to the day across the Burlington area before sunshine and warmer weather return. The weekend cooldown follows a sharp change from Friday's milder conditions and could create frost concerns for residents with sensitive outdoor plants. Although the National Weather Service has not identified a widespread freeze hazard in its supplied outlook, the forecast low places Burlington directly at the freezing mark during the early morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, Saturday night will bring mostly clear skies and temperatures falling to around 32 degrees. Northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph are expected to become southerly after midnight, with gusts potentially reaching 21 mph. Sunday's forecast calls for sunshine and a high near 55 degrees, providing a substantial afternoon recovery after the cold morning. The temperature shift is part of a broader transition toward cooler and drier weather following Friday's passing weather system.
Near Freezing Temperatures Arrive Sunday Morning The coldest part of the weekend is expected between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, when temperatures approach the freezing point across Burlington and nearby communities in Chittenden County. While the official forecast does not specifically call for frost, temperatures near 32 degrees can create favorable conditions for frost in some locations. Residents with late season gardens, outdoor flowers or other sensitive vegetation may want to take precautions before Saturday evening.
Saturday's afternoon temperatures will struggle to reach 44 degrees, a notable departure from Friday's forecast high of 63. Northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph could gust to 32 mph, making outdoor conditions feel colder during the day. The transition from Saturday's brisk afternoon to Sunday's freezing point morning represents the weekend's most meaningful weather development. Temperatures can vary between lakeshore neighborhoods, sheltered valleys and surrounding higher terrain, so individual locations may experience different conditions.
Weekend Cold Snap Follows Gusty Conditions The colder weather arrives after a strong low pressure system brings rain and gusty winds Friday. The National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook issued at 2:24 a.m. identifies localized wind gusts up to 40 mph, particularly across the Champlain Valley and northern mountain slopes. Burlington's detailed forecast also calls for a 100% chance of showers Friday, with south winds of 16 to 22 mph and gusts reaching 40 mph.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 89, Interstate 189 and major roads around Lake Champlain should be prepared for changing weather conditions heading into the weekend. Friday's rain and gusty winds could create wet pavement and challenging conditions on exposed roadways. By Sunday, however, the forecast favors dry weather and sunshine. No freezing precipitation, snow accumulation or confirmed road closures are identified in the supplied forecast.
Warmer Afternoons Return Early Next Week Sunday's sunshine should help temperatures climb to approximately 55 degrees, offering a noticeable improvement from Saturday's chilly conditions. Sunday night will remain mostly clear, with temperatures falling to around 36 degrees. While still cold, that projected low is several degrees warmer than Saturday night's forecast and marks the beginning of a gradual moderation in overnight temperatures.
Monday brings another step toward milder weather, with sunshine and a high near 60 degrees. Tuesday should remain sunny with temperatures around 60, while Wednesday and Thursday are expected to reach the upper 50s. The forecast suggests a generally dry start to the new workweek, giving residents a break from Friday's wet and windy conditions. For anyone with sensitive plants or early Sunday outdoor plans, the near freezing temperatures remain the most important weekend concern.
Will you be bringing outdoor plants inside before Burlington's expected 32 degree morning Sunday?
Five Day Weather Outlook Friday 10/16: Showers are expected with a 100% precipitation chance and a high near 63 degrees. South winds of 16 to 22 mph could gust to 40 mph, followed by a nighttime low around 36 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Partly sunny skies are expected with a high near 44 degrees and northwest winds gusting to 32 mph. Mostly clear conditions Saturday night will allow temperatures to fall near 32 degrees, raising possible frost concerns.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies are expected following an early morning low near freezing, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 55 degrees. South winds around 9 mph are forecast, followed by mostly clear skies and a nighttime low near 36 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Sunshine and warmer temperatures return, with a high near 60 degrees and south winds of 8 to 10 mph. Partly cloudy skies are expected Monday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 39 degrees.
Tuesday 10/20: Sunny skies continue with a high near 60 degrees and light north winds of 3 to 7 mph. Mostly clear conditions are expected Tuesday night, with temperatures dropping to around 39 degrees.
Extended Outlook Wednesday, October 21, is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high near 57 degrees and a nighttime low around 36. Thursday, October 22, should remain mostly sunny with a high near 58 degrees.