Vermonters can breathe a sigh of relief as the National Weather Service predicts a dry weekend following this week's devastating flooding. While some showers persisted on Friday morning in certain parts of the state, no significant rain or new flooding is expected in the next four days. This positive weather forecast comes as a relief to residents and authorities, with all rivers in the state receding, according to Pete Banacos, the science and operations officer at the National Weather Service's Burlington office.

However, Banacos warns that a cold front on Wednesday could potentially impact Vermont, though it is too early to determine the amount of rainfall it will bring. Despite this, he reassures that no additional flooding is currently anticipated. The major concern now is the heat and humidity that will engulf the state from Sunday through Tuesday, with temperatures expected to reach the high 80s and low 90s. These conditions are less than ideal for those engaged in clean-up efforts working outside to mend the devastation caused by the floods.

At a press conference held in Berlin on Friday morning, Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison advised locals to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and schedule their clean-up work during the cooler hours of the day in order to safeguard themselves during the recovery process. Safety measures are crucial, as Vermont's rivers have a volatile nature, quickly rising and falling due to the hilly terrain of the state.

As of Friday morning, the Winooski River at Essex, the Lamoille River at Jeffersonville, and the Barton River at Coventry were the only locations that were still in flood stage. Banacos shared that the Winooski and Lamoille rivers are expected to recede below flood levels by Friday afternoon, while the Barton River may continue experiencing minor flooding levels for the next few days. Although river levels may drop below flood stages, caution is still advised as their flows will remain abnormally high for several days.

Banacos emphasizes that even though the heatwave may tempt residents to take a refreshing dip, it is crucial to avoid swimming or boating in the rivers as it is still unsafe. The recent flooding has led to the dispersion of fuel, wastewater, microorganisms, and other debris across the waterways through runoff, making them hazardous.

Banacos further explains that this year's flooding had a different footprint compared to last summer's. While many rivers experienced similar or slightly lower crests than the previous year, some areas were more severely affected. For instance, the Passumpsic River at Passumpsic peaked more than 7 feet higher than in July of 2020. However, unlike last summer's continuous downpours that lasted until August, Vermont's rivers will have the opportunity to recover during the upcoming "quiet" weather over the weekend.

The dry weekend is welcome news for Vermonters, providing some respite amid the aftermath of heavy rains and flooding. As the state rebuilds and recovers, the local public service provided by organizations like VTDigger becomes essential. Their timely, factual, and freely accessible news coverage helps Vermonters stay informed during times of crisis. To sustain this valuable service, VTDigger relies on reader donations to support their non-profit journalism, ensuring independence and a steadfast commitment to the community.

In conclusion, Vermonters can cautiously look forward to a dry weekend as the rivers continue to recede. However, individuals are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions amid the high temperatures. With the community's resilience and support, Vermont will gradually recover from this natural disaster and emerge stronger.

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