In 1970, Vermont Plunged Into An Arctic Freeze That Makes This Year’s Winter Look Downright Mild

We all know that winter in Vermont, and New England for that matter, can be quite an experience depending on the severity of the cold weather and snowfall. So every year we wait to see how the current winter compares to the ones of the past. Some winters have been relatively mild while others have left indelible marks on us that will in no time soon leave our memories. In contrast to the brutal winter of 1970, Vermont winters of the past seem less severe. Let's take a look at this record-setting winter in Vermont that brought more than just cold temperatures.

50 years ago, Vermont was crippled with an arctic freeze that lasted many weeks. January of 1970 recorded the coldest average monthly temperature in the history of Vermont, post-1900 when these statistics were first scrutinized.

The average temperature in Burlington, Vermont, in January of 1970 was a blistering 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. That is roughly 25 degrees colder on average than January 2022.

The winter of 1969-70 also witnessed a massive nor'easter that brought more than 20 inches of snow to parts of Vermont and just under 30 inches to Burlington, Vermont. The storm came a few days after Christmas and left more than 20 people dead in New England by December 30th.

The cold gripped Vermont and New England for over a month. The winter wasn't as devastating as the infamous "year without a summer" that took place in 1816 throughout the east coast and elsewhere, but the winter of 1970 was one of the coldest and most brutal winters in recent history.

Reading about frigid winters of the past makes you realize how moderate recent Vermont winters have been. Getting rocked by blizzards is one thing—something that all Vermonters are used to—but experiencing a whole month of temperatures which are barely above zero, that's a completely different story.

Have you heard of the deathly cold winter of 1970? Will this Vermont lowest temperature shock you? Which are the worst winter storms in Vermont that you've experienced? Let us know by leaving a comment below. We look forward to reading your responses.

Looking for more winter in Vermont content? Check out these 11 must-visit places in Vermont this winter.