Vermont State Climate Summary

Temperatures in Vermont have risen about 3°F since the beginning of the 20th century. The last 11-year period (2010–2020) was the warmest 11-year period on record. Under a higher emissions pathway, historically unprecedented warming is projected to continue through this century. The intensity of extreme winter cold is projected to decrease.

Annual average precipitation has increased nearly 6 inches since the 1960s (a decade marked by prolonged, multiyear droughts and cold temperatures), with the largest increases occurring in mountainous regions of the state. Winter and spring precipitation is projected to increase throughout this century, and warming will increase the proportion of that precipitation that will fall as rain.

Extreme weather events, particularly floods and severe storms, are having a stronger impact on Vermont. At the same time, multiyear meteorological and hydrological droughts continue to pose challenges for water-dependent sectors. Extreme rainfall events are projected to become more frequent and intense in the future.