Montreal Braces for Arctic Cold and Heavy Snowfall This Weekend
Environment Canada has issued two weather warnings for the Montreal area, forecasting a severe winter weather event that will bring dangerous arctic cold followed by significant snowfall this weekend.
Dual Weather Warnings Issued
The federal weather agency issued a special weather statement on Friday, warning residents of Greater Montreal and surrounding regions to prepare for 10 to 20 centimetres of snow beginning late Sunday and continuing through midday Monday. This comes alongside a yellow weather warning for hazardous conditions that may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts.
Dangerous Wind Chill Values Expected
The weekend weather event begins with a burst of extreme cold, with wind chill values expected to plummet to –35 overnight Friday into Saturday. Friday night is forecast to be partly cloudy with possible early evening flurries before skies clear, accompanied by west winds gusting up to 40 km/h that will push wind chill values to dangerous levels.
Temperatures will remain well below seasonal norms throughout the weekend, increasing the risk of frostbite and making sidewalks and roads particularly slippery once snow begins to accumulate.
Significant Snowfall Forecast
The snowfall is expected to be light and powdery, conditions that forecasters say will allow winds to blow snow across roads and sharply reduce visibility at times. The snow is forecast to begin Sunday and continue into early Monday, potentially complicating the Monday morning commute.
Safety Recommendations
Environment Canada is urging Montreal residents to take several precautions:
- Allow extra travel time for the Monday morning rush hour
- Dress in layers to protect against the extreme cold
- Monitor forecasts and alerts as the weather system approaches
- Exercise caution on roads and sidewalks that may become slippery
The combination of arctic cold followed by heavy snowfall represents a significant winter weather event for the Montreal region, with potential impacts on transportation, infrastructure, and public safety throughout the weekend and into the beginning of the work week.
