Mild August Conditions Give Way to Midweek Rain Across Bennington County

Last updated: August 12, 2026

Good day, Bennington County! Weather conditions across the Bennington Valley and surrounding southwestern Vermont communities are starting out calm and quiet. As of right now, we are sitting under a clear sky with a current temperature of 59.9°F and a gentle breeze at 2.8 mph. Whether you are stepping out early in Old Bennington, commuting through North Bennington, or starting your morning in Arlington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, or Woodford, it is a very comfortable start to the day. However, weather changes are on the way as clouds build into the region today, followed by rainfall on Thursday and a noticeable cooling trend by Friday.

Wednesday, August 12: Overcast Skies with Warm Temperatures

For today, Wednesday, August 12, overcast conditions will dominate the sky across our area. Despite the cloud cover, temperatures will climb to a warm afternoon high of 79.2°F. The overnight low will settle comfortably at 60°F. Rain chances remain minimal today with a precipitation probability of just 6 percent and an expected precipitation total of 0 inches. Winds will stay light to moderate throughout the day, topping out at a maximum speed of 9.8 mph.

Because conditions will remain dry today, outdoor activities around Lake Paran or along the mountain trails of Mount Anthony and the Green Mountain National Forest will be very pleasant. Travel conditions along major thoroughfares including Route 7 (US-7), Route 9 (VT-9, also known as the Molly Stark Trail), and the Bennington Bypass (VT-279) will remain dry and trouble-free for both the morning and evening commutes.

Thursday, August 13: Moderate Rain Arrives in the Valley

Transitioning into Thursday, August 13, wet-weather gear will be necessary across southwestern Vermont. The forecast calls for moderate rain during the day, bringing a total precipitation accumulation of 0.228 inches to the area. The probability of precipitation is set at 23 percent. Temperatures will stay fairly warm, reaching a afternoon high of 77.6°F, while the overnight low remains mild at 64°F. Maximum wind speeds on Thursday will reach up to 9.1 mph.

Drivers heading over VT-9 through the higher elevations of Woodford should prepare for wet road surfaces and reduced visibility during periods of rain. Likewise, commuters traveling along US-7 through Shaftsbury and Arlington or south toward Pownal should allow a little extra travel time and maintain safe stopping distances on wet asphalt.

Friday, August 14: Light Drizzle and Cooler Air

By Friday, August 14, steady rainfall will taper off, leaving behind light drizzle across the Bennington area. Total precipitation for Friday will be very light, expected to reach 0.008 inches with a low precipitation probability of 5 percent. Peak winds will hold steady, maxing out at 9.1 mph.

The notable story for Friday is the drop in temperature. The day’s high temperature will top out at a modest 72.6°F, while nighttime temperatures will drop down to a crisp low of 52.9°F. This cooler air mass will bring a brief preview of late-summer freshness to the Bennington Valley heading into the weekend.

Local Recreation, Impacts, and Safety

With no active weather alerts, watches, or warnings in effect for Bennington County, the forecast is straightforward. Today offers the best opportunity for outdoor plans before moisture arrives tomorrow. If you plan to hike Mount Anthony or explore trails in the Green Mountain National Forest, today’s high of 79.2°F and wind maximum of 9.8 mph provide smooth hiking conditions despite the overcast sky.

On Thursday, moderate rain (0.228 inches) will create slick trails and muddy patches on shaded mountain routes. Parks and lakeside paths around Lake Paran will be damp. By Friday, light drizzle (0.008 inches) and a high of 72.6°F will make for cooler, damp outdoor conditions, leading into a distinctly cooler night at 52.9°F. It is always a good practice to check in on elderly neighbors or vulnerable community members during shifting weather, and ensure outdoor pets are warm and comfortable as evening temperatures dip into the lower 50s on Friday night.

The Bottom Line

Today (Wednesday) will be overcast but dry and warm with a high of 79.2°F and a low of 60°F. Thursday brings moderate rain with 0.228 inches expected and a high of 77.6°F. Friday wraps up the forecast with light drizzle (0.008 inches), a high of 72.6°F, and a cool overnight low of 52.9°F.

Weather data provided by Open-Meteo.