20 degrees above average: May temps soar

By Erin Petenko/VTDigger

Vermont is forecast to hit temperatures in the upper 80s Tuesday and Wednesday, far above normal for this time of year, the Vermont branch of the National Weather Service reported on Monday, May 20.

Parts of the state, particularly the Champlain Valley down to Rutland in the west and the Connecticut River Valley regions to the east, could see a high of 90 F degrees on Wednesday, according to weather service meteorologist Brooke Taber. But even mountain towns like Killington are expected to reach 80 F. 

That’s 15 to 20 degrees above the average temperature for this point in May. 

The good news is that it’s not expected to be uncomfortably humid, Taber said, and the temperature is expected to drop during the night, giving Vermonters some relief from the heat. 

“It’s our first heat of the season, so we’re not adjusted to the heat yet,” Taber said.

And won’t last long. Temperatures drop into the mid 70s during the day and 50s at night Thursday through Sunday, setting up for a nice Memorial Day weekend. (Some rain showers are possible Thursday and likely Monday.)

While the heat wave isn’t quite long enough for the Weather Service to issue a heat advisory, Taber said vulnerable Vermonters, such as people with health conditions or people who work outside, should be cautious in the coming days. 

“It’s our first heat of the season, so we’re not adjusted to the heat yet,” Taber said. He advised anyone spending time outside to stay hydrated and take breaks.

Early predictions for this summer are looking warm, Taber said. The federal Climate Prediction Center has said the Northeast has a high probability of above-average temperatures, based on the outlook of regional weather patterns.

For more info visit weather.gov/btv.