Burlington, Vermont – A quiet, cold start to the week across northern Vermont will give way to a much more unsettled pattern as a strengthening December storm moves into the region. Forecasters warn that rain, powerful winds, and a potential switch to snow could create hazardous travel conditions from Thursday into early Friday.
Cold Start Gives Way to Changing Conditions
Vermont woke up to frozen ground, crisp air, and pale winter sunshine, but the calm will not last. Early-week temperatures remain below normal, with Burlington seeing highs near the upper 20s today as clouds steadily increase. Roads stay mostly dry, though shaded and untreated areas remain icy due to lingering cold pavement.
According to the National Weather Service, the overall trend points toward a brief midweek warm-up followed by rapidly deteriorating conditions late Thursday as a strong system pushes northward into New England.
Wednesday Brings Milder Air and Early Precipitation
Wednesday marks the transition day. Southerly flow begins to pull milder air into the Champlain Valley, pushing highs into the mid-30s. Winds pick up noticeably, and light precipitation may develop by afternoon.
While most areas see rain, forecasters note that snowflakes could briefly mix in, especially during the morning or in higher elevations. As temperatures climb, pavement becomes wet quickly, increasing the risk of slick travel during the evening commute.
Thursday: Windy, Wet, and Disruptive
Conditions worsen significantly on Thursday. Strengthening south winds increase through the afternoon, with gusts exceeding 40 mph at times. These winds may be strong enough to toss unsecured outdoor items and make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles.
Rain becomes widespread late Thursday and continues into Thursday night. Periods of reduced visibility, standing water on roadways, and slower travel are likely. Localized power outages cannot be ruled out if winds combine with saturated ground.
Meteorologists emphasize that this phase of the storm poses the greatest overall impact due to the combination of wind and rain rather than snow.
Snow Changeover and Flash Freeze Risk Friday
By early Friday, colder air surges back into Vermont behind the departing storm. Rain may mix with or change to snow before precipitation tapers off. While snowfall amounts appear light at this time, even minor accumulation could create problems.
As temperatures fall sharply Friday night into the teens, any remaining moisture on roads may freeze quickly. This setup favors flash freezing, particularly on bridges, ramps, sidewalks, and untreated secondary roads.
Drivers are urged to remain alert for rapidly changing road conditions, especially during early morning and overnight hours.
Safety and Preparation Tips
Residents across Burlington and surrounding communities are encouraged to take simple precautions ahead of Thursday’s storm:
- Secure loose outdoor furniture, decorations, and trash bins before winds increase
- Allow extra travel time Thursday evening and Friday morning
- Keep winter driving supplies accessible, even if rain falls first
- Monitor updated forecasts and advisories from the National Weather Service
Weather updates and advisories can be found through official forecasts from the National Weather Service Burlington office.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
Once the storm exits, calmer conditions return. Saturday turns partly sunny but colder, with highs near the upper 20s. Sunday moderates slightly, though winter remains firmly in control across northern Vermont.
Five-Day Outlook for Burlington, VT
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 28°F
- Wednesday: Breezy, chance of rain or snow, high near 36°F
- Thursday: Windy with widespread rain, high near 40°F
- Friday: Rain changing to snow early, temperatures falling late
- Saturday: Partly sunny and colder, high near 28°F
Final Thoughts
This late-week storm highlights how quickly conditions can change during December in Vermont. While snowfall totals may remain modest, the combination of wind, rain, and freezing temperatures could still create dangerous travel and outdoor conditions.
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