As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, Montrealers weren't just ringing in 2026—they were bracing for an immediate and brutal reminder of a Canadian winter's might. The first wind chill of the new year is set to be a harsh one, with conditions so severe they carry a significant risk of frostbite.
A Frigid Forecast Takes Hold
The snowfall that blanketed the Montreal region was expected to taper off by late Thursday morning, January 1, 2026. However, the reprieve from precipitation will give way to a merciless cold. The morning temperature of minus-13 degrees Celsius was forecast to drop further during the afternoon, compounded by a biting wind chill making it feel like minus-24 C.
The situation was predicted to deteriorate overnight, with the wind chill plummeting to a dangerous minus-30 degrees Celsius. Environment Canada's warnings highlighted the serious risk of frostbite for anyone exposed to these conditions without adequate protection.
No Relief in Sight for Friday
Residents hoping for a quick warm-up will be disappointed. Forecasters indicated that Friday, January 2, would bring more of the same extreme cold. The daytime high is expected to struggle to reach minus-14 C, while the morning will feel even more punishing with a wind chill of minus-31 C.
This deep freeze follows a classic Canadian year-end scene. On December 31, 2025, Andrew Ratcliff seized the opportunity for one last skate of the year on the frozen surface of Lac St-Louis near Baie-D'Urfe, a moment captured by Gazette photographer John Mahoney. That picturesque winter activity now gives way to a period where outdoor exposure requires extreme caution.
Staying Safe in the Deep Freeze
Public health officials routinely advise caution during such extreme cold spells. Key recommendations include:
- Limiting time outdoors, especially during early morning and overnight hours when wind chills are most severe.
- Dressing in multiple layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer.
- Covering all exposed skin, as frostbite can develop in minutes under these conditions.
- Being aware of the signs of frostbite (numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech).
As Montreal navigates the first days of 2026, the weather serves as a stark, freezing reminder of the power of a Canadian winter. The community is urged to stay warm, check on vulnerable neighbours, and heed all weather warnings until this Arctic air mass loosens its grip.
