Burlington, Vermont is experiencing its coldest winter in seventeen years, with temperatures averaging 20.1 degrees Fahrenheit from December 1st through February 11th, . The prolonged cold snap is nearing a record streak of sub-freezing temperatures and is contributing to a near-complete freeze of Lake Champlain, a phenomenon increasingly rare in recent years.
According to data from WCAX, the current winter’s average temperature is approaching levels not seen since , when the average sat at 19.6 degrees. As of noon on , the Burlington area is set to reach 500 consecutive hours – exceeding 20 consecutive days – of temperatures below freezing. Forecasters predict this streak will extend to 22 consecutive days by .
The extended period of cold has significant implications for the region’s largest body of water. Satellite data and drone imagery indicate that Lake Champlain is close to a complete freeze. Should this occur, it would be the first time the lake has frozen over entirely since . Complete ice coverage has become less frequent due to warming winter temperatures, occurring only three times in the last decade – in , , and .
The impact of these conditions extends beyond temperature records and lake conditions. The city of Burlington is also hosting comedian Stavros Halkias on at the Flynn Center, though attendees are advised to allow extra time for travel due to ongoing city construction as part of the Great Streets initiative.
While the current conditions are severe, relief is anticipated. Temperatures are expected to begin rising into the 30s, and potentially even the low 40s, offering a respite from the prolonged cold. However, the winter season is not yet over, and further snow flurries and even a wintry mix are possible in the coming weeks.
The recent snowfall across Upstate New York, reported between and , highlights the broader regional impact of the cold weather system. Snow reports from across Vermont and northern New York, compiled by NBC5 meteorologists, indicate several inches of snow fell between and .
The near-complete freeze of Lake Champlain is particularly noteworthy. The lake’s ecological health is closely tied to its winter ice cover. A complete freeze can impact fish populations, shoreline erosion, and the overall ecosystem. Reduced ice cover in recent years has been linked to changes in fish spawning patterns and increased vulnerability to invasive species. The potential for a full freeze this year offers a temporary, albeit potentially disruptive, return to historical conditions.
The prolonged cold also presents challenges for infrastructure and public services. Increased demand for heating resources, potential for frozen pipes, and hazardous road conditions are all concerns for local authorities. The Vermont Comedy Club is proceeding with its Galentines Comedy Showcase on , indicating a degree of normalcy despite the challenging weather.
The current weather pattern is part of a larger trend of increased climate variability. While individual cold snaps are not necessarily indicative of long-term climate change, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events – both hot and cold – is consistent with projections from climate scientists. The region’s vulnerability to these events underscores the need for continued investment in climate resilience and adaptation measures.
The anticipated warming trend offers a temporary reprieve, but the potential for further winter storms remains. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and prepare for potential disruptions. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this exceptionally cold winter on the region’s environment, infrastructure, and economy.
