Vermont and Northern New York Emerge from Historic Freeze

Temperatures rise above freezing for the first time in weeks, ending a prolonged cold snap.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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After a prolonged period of sub-freezing temperatures, Vermont and northern New York have finally seen thermometers climb above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This marks the end of a historic cold snap that had some locations experiencing their longest streak of consecutive days below freezing in over a decade.

Why it matters

The extended freeze had significant impacts on daily life, transportation, and local businesses across the region. The return to more seasonal temperatures will provide much-needed relief and allow normal operations to resume.

The details

While the exact duration of the freeze varied by location, many areas saw temperatures remain below 32°F for over two weeks straight - a remarkable feat for this time of year. The cold snap was severe enough to rank among the top 25 longest streaks on record for most cities in the viewing area.

  • Temperatures rose above freezing for the first time on Valentine's Day (February 14, 2026).
  • The freeze officially ended for all locations in the region on February 17, 2026.

The players

Burlington, Vermont

A major city in northern Vermont that experienced one of the longest stretches of sub-freezing temperatures during this cold snap.

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The takeaway

This historic cold spell serves as a stark reminder of the variability and extremes that can occur in New England's winter weather. While the freeze has finally broken, the region may need time to fully recover from its impacts on daily life and the local economy.