Vermont Business Magazine With elevated temperatures and increased health risks expected in the Burlington area, the City of Burlington is encouraging residents to take precautions and utilize available cooling resources.
The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerous early season heat across the region on Friday. Heat index values – which reflect how hot it feels when humidity is factored in – are expected to reach up to 98 degrees during the afternoon hours in both the Champlain and Connecticut River valleys. A Heat Advisory remains in effect from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Friday.
The following cooling resources are available in Burlington on Friday:
- Fletcher Free Library (all ages)
- Main Location, 235 College Street, 10:00AM-6:00PM
- New North End Location, 1127 North Avenue, 10:00AM-2:00PM
- COTS Daystation, 95 North Avenue, 9:00AM-5:00PM (18+ years only)
- CVOEO Community Resource Center, 228 North Winooski Avenue, 10:00AM-12:00PM (*early Friday closure for street outreach)
- City Hall Park interactive fountain
- The Waterfront is open for the season, and beach information can be found here. Note that bodies of water are still dangerously cold at this time of year, and time in water should be limited to prevent cold water shock and hypothermia.
This week has seen increasingly warm and humid days, with warm overnight temperatures, which can result in accumulated heat stress. Early in the season, when our bodies have not fully adjusted to warmer weather, heat illnesses are more common.
Older adults, young children, people who are pregnant, outdoor workers, and those with chronic health conditions, mental health conditions, disabilities, or limited access to cooling are at increased risk of heat-related illness. People experiencing homelessness or living without air conditioning face particularly elevated risks from prolonged heat exposure and dehydration. Certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illicit substances significantly increase vulnerability because they interfere with the body's natural ability to regulate temperature, stay hydrated, and perceive heat distress.
Muscle cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, headache or light-headedness may all indicate a heat-related illness. Most heat-related illnesses can be treated with fluids and by resting in a cooler place. If symptoms persist or get worse, or someone you are with seems confused or loses consciousness, dial 9-1-1 and get immediate medical help. Learn more about symptoms and first aid.
Find more information and resources:
- Translated heat safety videos from the Vermont Language Justice Project, available in Mandarin, French, Arabic, Spanish, Somali, Maay Maay, Ukrainian, Dari, Kirundi, Burmese, Nepali, Pashto, Vietnamese, Swahili, English, and American Sign Language.
- Translated heat safety handouts from the Vermont Department of Health, available in Arabic, Burmese, Mandarin, English, French, Karen, Kirundi, Nepali, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese.
- Vermont Cooling Sites online map of indoor and outdoor locations where the public can go to cool off. Printable maps and lists of cooling sites are also available.
- Hot Weather Resource Page from the Vermont Department of Health.
6.11.2026. BURLINGTON, VT – Community and Economic Development Office
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Vermont Business Magazine