Burlington Warms Toward Record Highs

A warming trend has brought unusually mild air to the Champlain Valley.

Burlington woke up in the 50s on Monday morning, a sharp contrast to the 30s recorded in southern Vermont and the Upper Valley. The difference came from a southerly breeze and cloud cover that kept the chill at bay in the north while clear skies allowed colder air to settle in the south. By afternoon, the entire region felt the shift. Sun broke through clouds across the area, and highs climbed into the low to mid-60s. Southern Vermont spots pushed into the upper 60s, with some readings reaching the low 70s.

The warmth stems from a larger atmospheric pattern moving through the Northeast. The National Weather Service notes that this system will keep temperatures above average for several days. A brief cool down is expected Tuesday, with highs dropping a degree or two in the northern half of the state. Light steady showers may bring a trace to a tenth of an inch of rain to northern areas, a detail that may matter to voters heading to the polls that afternoon.

Wednesday marks the peak of the heat. Forecasters expect highs in the upper 60s and low 70s across the region. These numbers threaten to break daily records in several locations, where historical highs sit in the low to mid-70s. Meteorologists will monitor conditions closely during the afternoon to confirm any new records. The warmth is not permanent. Temperatures will drop a few degrees each day from Thursday through the weekend.

Rain remains a factor after the warm spell. The chance of precipitation is highest from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning. While rain is likely during that window, the timing of showers from Friday into the weekend remains uncertain. Forecasters continue to track the system, with updates expected as the pattern evolves. For now, the immediate focus is on the break in the cool air that has gripped the state for weeks.