Winter Hits Montreal: Snow and Freezing Rain Expected All Week

UPDATE: Montreal residents are bracing for the first significant winter weather of the season, with a mix of snow and freezing rain hitting the city this weekend. The conditions are expected to persist throughout the week, causing hazardous travel and chilly temperatures.

Over the weekend, snowflakes made their debut, accompanied by a messy mix of freezing rain and drizzle. Sidewalks turned slick, reminding everyone that winter is here with a vengeance. According to Environment Canada, Montreal can expect more wintry weather, with the forecast indicating ongoing snow and rain.

As of Monday, December 11, the city faces a second round of precipitation. Throughout the day, residents can anticipate up to 2 cm of snow as temperatures hover around 1°C. Fog patches are expected to clear in the morning, but roads may remain slushy, particularly after sunset. Overnight, temperatures are set to drop to –2°C, with wind chill making it feel closer to –9°C.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, flurries will continue, adding another potential 2 cm of snow to the accumulation. With temperatures around –2°C and gusts reaching 50 km/h, the cold will be biting. Another round of snow is likely Tuesday night, with lows around –1°C.

Midweek weather is shaping up to be unpredictable. Wednesday will bring a mix of snow and rain, with temperatures reaching a high of 3°C. Expect a 70% chance of rain showers in the evening. Residents should prepare for wet conditions and consider bringing an umbrella and appropriate footwear. The cloudy weather will continue into Thursday, which could see showers and highs of 4°C. Overnight lows are expected around 0°C.

For those longing for a break from the gloom, Friday and Saturday promise sunnier skies, with daytime highs of 2°C and 1°C, respectively. However, nighttime temperatures will plunge to –5°C on Friday and –2°C on Saturday. Another system may arrive by Sunday, bringing a mix of snow and rain again with a high of 3°C.

Across Quebec, the winter weather has hit different regions hard. Reports from MétéoMédia indicate that Ottawa received about 12 cm of snow, while Charlevoix and Roberval saw upwards of 15 cm, prompting school closures in Charlevoix on Monday. A second wave of snow is predicted to sweep through southern Quebec on Monday evening, with 5 to 10 cm forecasted for areas including Montreal, Trois-Rivières, and the Eastern Townships.

As Montreal gears up for an extended period of winter weather, residents are advised to stay updated on conditions and prepare for challenging travel. Stay warm and safe, and watch for further updates as conditions evolve.