Montreal Braces for Snow and Slush: Weekend Weather Update

Montreal is preparing for a wintry weekend, with a mix of sunshine, snow, and slush expected to sweep across the city. According to MétéoMédia, residents can anticipate a brief moment of sunshine on Saturday, November 25, before a low-pressure system brings a significant snowfall that will continue through the weekend.

The forecast indicates that southern Quebec, including regions such as Montreal, the Laurentides, Outaouais, and parts of Estrie, will experience some sunshine to start the weekend. This fleeting appearance of sunlight is noteworthy, as November is typically Quebec’s darkest month. This year, many areas have reported nearly 50% less sunshine than usual, making the brief sunny spell particularly welcome.

However, the pleasant weather will quickly transition. MétéoMédia predicts that as the low-pressure system approaches, steady snowfall will begin, with accumulations expected to reach between 10 to 15 centimeters in areas north of Montreal, including the Laurentides, Lanaudière, Mauricie, and the Quebec City region. In Montreal itself, the weather may start with wet snowflakes that could turn into slush, but enough accumulation is expected to create a new layer of snow on the ground.

Temperatures will complicate cleanup efforts. Most regions are forecasted to remain below freezing, meaning the snow will not melt quickly. For instance, Val-d’Or could see a high of -8°C on Saturday, while Saguenay may reach -4°C. Montreal is anticipated to hover around zero degrees Celsius, with a slight warming trend on Sunday. Only areas like Gatineau, Sherbrooke, and Montreal might see brief periods above freezing, but these will not be sufficient to significantly alter conditions.

This sudden winter onset is not just a local phenomenon. As detailed in MétéoMédia‘s seasonal outlook, several atmospheric conditions, including a disrupted polar vortex and a strengthening La Niña, are contributing to colder and snowier conditions across Quebec this winter. Meteorologists expect the first half of the season to be colder than average, as arctic air masses push southward, keeping temperatures below seasonal norms. Although the latter part of winter may see some relief, the early onset of cold weather suggests that snow will persist.

Residents are advised to prepare for more winter storms and a forecast that predicts a white Christmas in southern Quebec. With the current weather patterns indicating a chaotic December, it seems the shovels will remain a staple in many homes for the foreseeable future.