Dangerous heat and storms set to grip Vermont through Tuesday
Vermont is bracing for a prolonged wave of intense summer weather, with a combination of sweltering heat, elevated humidity, and the threat of severe thunderstorms expected to persist through Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, temperatures across much of the state will climb into the mid to upper 80s °F (29–31 °C) today, with values expected to peak around 97 °F (36 °C) early next week — a figure that could tie the second hottest June temperature recorded in Burlington over the last three decades.
Most of Vermont, including the Champlain Valley, Winooski Valley, and other low-elevation areas, will be impacted by the intense heat, while scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening hours may offer brief relief, especially on Friday. Meteorologist Seth Kutikoff noted that Friday’s cooler conditions, driven by a widespread west wind, will be short-lived, with hotter conditions expected to return over the weekend.
Saturday night brings a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms, with damaging winds posing the greatest threat. Kutikoff stressed the importance of monitoring severe thunderstorm warnings, particularly today, as strong cells may cause localized damage.
With humidity building, overnight temperatures will also remain elevated, which can amplify the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations. The Vermont Department of Health is preparing to update its cooling centers map, offering access to libraries, fire stations, and other designated spaces for people in need of relief from the heat. These efforts are particularly vital in a state where only 67% of homes have air conditioning, and just 7% are equipped with central air, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Jared Ulmer, manager of the climate and health program at the Vermont Department of Health, emphasized that heat preparedness is becoming a more urgent concern statewide. With climate change intensifying temperature extremes, Vermont has already seen a rise in heat stroke, dehydration, and an uptick in emergency room visits related to heat since 2003.
For those without access to home cooling, the Department of Health is offering multilingual heat safety materials, as well as guidance for caregivers. These resources are intended to help Vermonters identify warning signs of heat stress, understand how to stay cool, and navigate this new reality of hotter summers in the Green Mountain State.
As Monday and Tuesday approach, with heat index values likely pushing even higher than the actual temperatures, Vermont remains under an elevated heat risk, and the National Weather Service has highlighted much of the region in red on their hazard maps — indicating an extreme threat.
