Winter Storm Warnings in Burlington, Vermont
Burlington sits in the Champlain Valley, where cold air funneling off Lake Champlain and moisture arriving from the Great Lakes and Atlantic coast can combine to produce significant snowfall. Across the 13 winters analyzed from 2012 through 2024, Burlington averaged 51.0 inches (129.5 cm) of snow per year, confirming it as one of the snowier mid-sized cities in the northeastern United States.
The heaviest snowfall tends to arrive in February, January, and March, in that order — meaning winter's grip here often tightens in mid-season and holds well into spring. Average winter overnight lows hover around 17.7 °F (−8.0 °C), cold enough that snow accumulates readily and stays on the ground for extended periods. Notably, truly heavy single-day snow events are less common than the seasonal totals might suggest, averaging roughly 0.8 heavy-snow days per year — significant when they occur, but not a weekly occurrence.
A Winter Storm Warning issued for the Burlington area signals that hazardous winter conditions are imminent or already underway, typically involving substantial snow accumulation, dangerous blowing and drifting, or a combination of snow and ice. The exact thresholds used to trigger a warning — such as minimum snowfall amounts over a set period — are determined by the local National Weather Service forecast office and differ from region to region across the country. When a warning is posted here, residents should expect significantly reduced visibility, difficult or impassable road conditions, and the potential for prolonged travel disruptions.
| Years analyzed | 13 winters (2012–2024) |
|---|---|
| Avg. annual snowfall | 51 in (129.5 cm) |
| Snowiest months | February, January, March |
| Avg. winter overnight low | 17.7°F (−8°C) |
| Heavy-snow days per year | 0.8 |
Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.
Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in Burlington within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.
Burlington winter storm FAQ
Is there a winter storm warning in Burlington right now?
The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for Burlington, Vermont. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.
Does Burlington get winter storm warnings often?
Burlington sees significant snowfall in most winters, and winter storm warnings are issued in a typical season. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.
How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in Burlington?
There is no single national trigger: warning criteria are set by each local National Weather Service office, ranging from a couple of inches of snow in areas where snow is rare up to 6 inches or more in snow-belt regions, and significant ice accumulation can warrant a warning on its own.
What should I do during a winter storm warning in Burlington?
Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Vermont authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winter storm warnings in nearby locations
- Winter storm warning in Montpelier, VT
- Winter storm warning in Albany, NY
- Winter storm warning in Concord, NH
- Winter storm warning in Manchester, NH
- Winter storm warning in Nashua, NH
- Winter storm warning in Springfield, MA
See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow the National Weather Service (NWS) criteria; thresholds vary by region.