This blog post provides a detailed scientific breakdown of today’s weather in Barre, Vermont, and what residents can expect as conditions shift from a cloudy, cold afternoon into a lightly snowy, colder night.
We will look at the temperature pattern, wind behavior, snow potential, and the broader climatological context that makes this forecast typical for mid-December in central Vermont.
Current Conditions in Barre, Vermont
Barre is currently under generally cloudy skies, with a forecast high temperature of 29°F.
This places the region solidly below freezing, typical of early winter in northern New England.
The cloud cover acts as a thermal blanket, moderating temperature swings during the day while setting the stage for overnight precipitation.
Winds this afternoon are blowing from the south at 5 to 10 mph, which may offer a slight moderating influence on temperatures compared to a northerly flow.
However, given the overall cold air mass in place, those southerly winds are not sufficient to bring temperatures above freezing.
Implications of Cloudy, Subfreezing Conditions
Under these cloudy, cold conditions, surfaces such as untreated sidewalks, secondary roads, and elevated structures can remain below 32°F.
This means that any later snow showers will likely stick, at least temporarily, even if accumulations are modest.
While the atmosphere isn’t primed for a major winter storm, it is sufficiently cold for light snow to be efficient at creating slick spots.
Tonight’s Forecast: Light Snow and Falling Temperatures
As Barre moves into the overnight hours, the weather pattern will become a bit more unsettled.
Snow showers are expected to develop after midnight, associated with a weak disturbance passing through the region.
This is a classic setup for scattered, light snow in the Green Mountain region.
The low temperature is forecast to drop to around 17°F, indicating a colder night ahead as radiational cooling combines with incoming colder air aloft.
Winds will gradually become light and variable, reducing wind chill impacts somewhat but allowing surface temperatures to fall efficiently.
Snow Amounts and Probability
Forecasters are calling for a 50% chance of snow overnight, meaning that there is essentially an even split between areas that receive measurable snow and those that merely see flurries.
Expected snow accumulations are less than one inch, which places this event firmly in the “nuisance” category rather than a significant winter storm.
From a scientific standpoint, the modest moisture content and weak lifting mechanism in the atmosphere support this low-accumulation forecast.
The cloud layer is deep enough to support snow production, but not vigorous enough to yield heavier bands.
Travel and Safety Considerations
With light winds and limited snowfall, major travel disruptions are not expected across Barre and surrounding communities.
Road crews will likely be able to manage the small amount of snow using standard plowing and treatment operations.
Nonetheless, even a thin layer of snow can create localized hazards.
Residents and commuters should keep in mind:
Practical Recommendations for Residents
For most people, tonight’s weather will call for only minor adjustments:
How This Fits Typical Mid-December Weather
The forecast, last updated at 2:26 pm on December 13, 2025, is well within the climatological norms for mid-December in central Vermont.
Historically, this time of year features frequent cloud cover, periodic light snow, and high temperatures often hovering around or below freezing.
In a broader context, tonight’s pattern represents a classic early-winter scenario: a stable cold air mass, enough atmospheric moisture for light snow, and no strong storm system to trigger heavy precipitation or high winds.
Looking Ahead
While this particular event is modest, its characteristics—cloudy skies, subfreezing temperatures, light snow, and minimal wind—serve as a useful baseline for comparing future winter systems.
Residents can reasonably expect similar patterns to recur multiple times through the season.
For now, Barre faces a cold, somewhat unsettled, but manageable winter night.
There is just enough snow to remind everyone that mid-December has firmly arrived in Vermont.
Here is the source article for this story: Extreme Weather