Honestly, if you're checking the newport vt weather forecast right now, you’re probably staring at a wall of gray outside your window. That’s just January in the Northeast Kingdom. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, Newport is sitting at a steady 25°F, though it definitely feels more like 19°F when that southeast wind kicks up at 5 mph.
It’s one of those classic "Vermont cloudy" days. The humidity is maxed out at 99%, which explains why the air feels so heavy even if it isn't dumping snow yet.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow and Temps
We’re looking at a high of 27°F today with light snow likely. It’s not a blizzard, just a consistent dusting that’ll probably leave an inch or two on your windshield by dinner. Tonight, the temperature drops to about 16°F, and those light flakes turn into scattered snow showers.
People always ask if the lake affects the forecast here. Short answer: absolutely.
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Lake Memphremagog is huge. When the wind pulls across that open water before it’s fully frozen, you get these localized bursts of "lake effect" that the bigger regional models sometimes miss. If you're driving up from St. Johnsbury, don't be shocked if the roads are clear there but slick the second you hit Newport city limits.
Why Newport Winters Are Different
Newport isn't Burlington. It’s colder. It’s rawer.
Statistically, January is the coldest month of the year here, with average highs usually hovering around 23°F and lows often dipping into the single digits. This year, we're actually seeing slightly milder numbers today, but don't get comfortable. Looking ahead at the week, the real "Kingdom Cold" is waiting to drop.
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By Tuesday, January 20, the mercury is expected to tank. We're talking a high of only 12°F and a low near 2°F. That’s when the wind chill starts to actually bite.
- Saturday (Today): High 27°F, Low 16°F. Light snow throughout the day.
- Sunday: High 29°F, Low 14°F. Mostly cloudy, maybe a few morning flurries.
- Monday (MLK Day): High 25°F, Low 6°F. Clouds sticking around, getting colder at night.
- Tuesday: High 12°F, Low 2°F. This is the "stay inside" day.
The "Dry" Snow Myth
You’ll hear some folks say Newport gets "dry" snow because it’s so far north. Kinda true, kinda not. When it’s 10 degrees, the snow is light and fluffy—the kind you can clear with a leaf blower. But today, with that 90% humidity in the forecast, the snow is going to be that heavy, wet stuff that sticks to your shovel.
The National Weather Service out of Burlington has already mentioned that travel could get tricky on the secondary roads. If you’re heading out toward Derby or Coventry, give yourself an extra ten minutes.
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What You Should Actually Do
If you're local, you know the drill. If you're visiting, here is the reality of dealing with the current newport vt weather forecast:
- Check your tires: If you don't have winters on by mid-January, you’re basically playing roulette on the hills near the hospital.
- Layer up for the wind: That 5-10 mph wind doesn't sound like much, but in the Northeast Kingdom, it cuts right through a standard fleece. You need a shell.
- Watch the ice: With temps hovering near freezing today before dropping tonight, whatever melts this afternoon is going to be a sheet of black ice by Sunday morning.
The long-range outlook for late January suggests we might see some rain-to-snow transitions, which is always a mess for the power lines. For now, enjoy the light snow. It’s pretty, it’s quiet, and it’s exactly what life at the top of Vermont is supposed to look like.
Next Steps for Newport Residents:
Ensure your snow blower is fueled up before the temperature drop on Tuesday. If you have outdoor pets, the shift from today's 27°F to Tuesday night's 2°F is a massive swing—make sure their shelters are insulated and dry before the deep freeze sets in.