Clear Skies Continue In Vermont; Cooler, Gusty Winds, Then Clear, Calm Again; Things Really Drying Out

Another clear day yesterday, but the foliage in Vermont
is well past peak, fading to yellow and rust colored
hues, as seen Wednesday in St. Albans. 

 We had another crystal clear day Wednesday, the third day in a row of such weather. It was almost the fourth day, but there were just a few high clouds on Sunday, but it was basically wall to wall sunshine then, too. 

This very dry air means there's a daily big range between high and low temperatures. Normally, this time of year, the range between low and high temperatures is 16 degrees. 

So far this week, the daily range has been between 24 and 38 degrees. This cold morning/pleasant afternoons pattern will continue through the weekend, with maybe an asterisk or two. 

Temperatures Wednesday afternoon were about there same as on Thursday. But it was less breezy, so it felt warmer. The wind is going to pick up again, so grab that fleece for the next couple of days.

DROUGHT

The dry weather is  on concerning, of course. The latest weekly U.S. Drought Monitor was released this morning. Rainfall between October 11 and 16 reduced the size of the drought in the Northeast Kingdom. 

As of this morning's report, 14 percent of the state was in drought, compared to 41 percent the week before. But about 82 percent of the state is still either abnormally dry or in drought. I'm sure this will increase with next week's report, since no rain is expected. 

Let's get into the daily forecasts:  

TODAY

The first half of today will be a carbon copy of yesterday. We started the day below freezing statewide once again. Sunshine will make temperatures rise into the 50s. But, as we've been tracking for days, a reinforcing shot of cooler air is on our doorstep. 

Usually, this means a cold front with showers. But the air is so dry that we'll just end up with partly cloudy skies during the afternoon. There might be extra clouds in the northern mountains. But no rain or snow flurries. 

Highs will probably be a couple degrees cooler than yesterday. North winds will pick up this afternoon and evening, too, so you will feel the chill in the air. 

FRIDAY

The morning will start out  as cold or even colder than recent mornings. Lows most places will be in the 20s, with a smattering of low 20s in some of the deeper valleys. Under clear skies once again, it'll warm up rapidly. But it won't get as warm as recent days. Readings will peak within a few degrees of 50. 

SATURDAY

Yet another clear day. People with solar panels on their roofs must be loving this. The big, fat high pressure system that was over us yesterday and today will be gone. It will be replaced by an even  bigger, fatter high pressure system pretty much smack dab over us. 

We'll have the coldest morning of the year so far. Lows in most of Vermont will be between 20 and 25 degrees. Maybe some upper teens in the cold spots, upper 20s close to Lake Champlain. 

Winds will be pretty calm all day, and highs will get into the 50s. 

SUNDAY

More of the same. The big, fat high pressure will sink a little to our south, setting up a slight southwest breeze. So, we'll start the day below freezing again, but warm up to near 60 degrees. So, really nice!

MONDAY

Another reinforcing shot of cold air begins to arrive, with another very weak cold front. This one might actually be "strong" enough to produce a sprinkle. In a few spots. Maybe. Depending on the timing of the front, we might eke out a fairly warm day. For now, forecasters are calling for a high of 60 degrees.

Following that, another big, fat high pressure system. The long dry spells continues.