Burlington International Airport reached 90 degrees at noon on July 3, marking the third consecutive day above that threshold and confirming the first official heat wave of 2026 in Vermont.
An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. for the Champlain Valley and eastern Windsor County, where heat index values could reach 100 degrees. A Heat Advisory covers much of northern New York and central and northern Vermont, including the Northeast Kingdom, where heat index values up to 95 degrees are expected.
Air quality, already moderate on July 3, may worsen July 4 as wildfire smoke from Canada and Colorado drifts into the region. An Air Quality Alert could be issued, and smoke may affect visibility and comfort for outdoor activities.
For July 3 evening events including Burlington's fireworks over Lake Champlain, hot and muggy conditions continue with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible. Storms could bring heavy rain and gusty winds, potentially delaying but not canceling fireworks.
July 4 will be warm but less extreme, with highs in the mid-80s and partly sunny skies. A few isolated storms remain possible. Sunday is forecast to be the best day of the weekend with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-80s.
Originally reported by WCAX.
Photo: Farragutful (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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