MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – New data shows Vermont now has the fourth highest rate of homelessness per capita in the country. But that’s down from the second highest in the nation last year.

Federal data shows disasters elsewhere are pushing other states higher.

Since winding down government-funded hotel rooms for the homeless, Vermont has struggled to find enough shelter space.

Providers say despite dropping in the national ranking, Vermont is still in a homelessness crisis.

“Through the last several months we have been straight out. We are utterly exhausted from the level of provision of services keeping to keep people alive and out of the elements,” said Julie Bond, the executive director of the Good Samaritan Haven.

Later this month, Vermont will participate in the national Point in Time Count to assess the needs of the homeless. But even then, experts say that data has limitations.

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The new year brings a wave of cold temperatures to much of the country, including Vermont.

A polar vortex, which is a large pocket of cold air that swirls in place over the North and South Poles, is expected to spill south and push Arctic-level temperatures across the country next week.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, the surge of cold temperatures is expected to hit most of the eastern part of the country.

NOAA’s latest forecast has most of Vermont likely to see below freezing temperatures throughout most of next week. Here’s what to know.

When will polar vortex reach Vermont?

A polar vortex bringing a surge of Arctic temperatures is expected to reach most of the country, including Vermont, mid-next week through Jan. 14, according to NOAA.

According to AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva, the polar vortex blasts are expected to hit from Jan. 3 to 4, Jan. 7 to 8 and Jan. 11 to 12.

Some parts of the country, like the northern Plains, could face a risk of heavy snow next week.

AccuWeather forecasters are predicting a possible snowstorm impacting metro areas including Boston later next week.

How cold will it be in Vermont during polar vortex? Temperature forecast

During next week’s polar vortex, some parts of the country could reach temperatures as low as -30°F, according to the latest AccuWeather forecast.

Temperatures in Vermont are expected to reach peak lows between Jan. 8 and Jan. 10. AccuWeather’s forecast has the northeast, including Vermont, hitting somewhere between 0 and 10°F on those days.

“This could end up being the coldest January since 2011 for the U.S. as a whole,” said AccuWeather’s lead long-range expert Paul Pastelok.

The 2024-2025 Vermont high school winter season has begun. See below for scores, schedules and game details (statistical leaders, game notes) from basketball, hockey, gymnastics, wrestling, Nordic/Alpine skiing and other winter sports.

TO REPORT SCORES

Coaches or team representatives are asked to report results ASAP after games by emailing sports@burlingtonfreepress.com. Please submit with a name/contact number.

►Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter:@aabrami5.

►Contact Judith Altneu at jaltneu@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.

THURSDAY’S H.S. GAMES

Girls basketball

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Northfield at Vergennes, 6 p.m. 

Randolph at Williamstown, 6 p.m. 

Burlington at Colchester

Stowe at Peoples

Harwood at U-32

Lamoille at North Country

Rutland at Mount Mansfield 

BFA-Fairfax at Missisquoi

Richford at Milton 

Lyndon at Lake Region

Enosburg at South Burlington

Brattleboro at St. Johnsbury

Rivendell at Oxbow

Hazen at West Rutland

Thetford at White River Valley

Mount Abraham at Fair Haven

Rice at Essex, 7:30 p.m.

Middlebury at BFA-St. Albans, 7:30 p.m. 

Alpine skiing 

St, Johnsbury, Rice, Harwood, Stowe, Lyndon at U-32 (at Bolton), 4:30 p.m. 

FRIDAY’S H.S. GAMES

Boys basketball

Games at 7 p.m unless noted

Williamstown at Twinfield/Cabot, 6 p.m.

Colchester at Lyndon, 6:30 p.m 

Northfield at BFA-Fairfax

Missisquoi at Richford

North Country at Lamoille

Mount Mansfield at South Burlington 

BFA-St. Albans at St. Johnsbury

Burlington at Champlain Valley

Randolph at Thetford

Enosburg at Mount St. Joseph 

Mount Abraham at Otter Valley

Rice at Essex, 7:30 p.m.

Stowe at Danville, 7:30 p.m. 

(Subject to change)