Montrealers dreaming of a festive, snow-covered Christmas are likely to get their wish, according to the latest forecasts. While a significant thaw on Friday washed away much of the existing snow cover, new predictions indicate a fresh blanket of white is on its way just in time for the holiday.
Snowfall Forecast for the Holiday Week
The greater Montreal area can expect a return to wintry conditions after the brief respite. Environment Canada and the Weather Channel both anticipate a series of light snowfalls leading up to December 25th, setting the scene for a classic white Christmas.
According to Environment Canada's forecast for Monday, December 22nd, there is a 40 percent chance of morning flurries. Periods of light snow are expected to begin in the afternoon, with a high of minus 7 degrees Celsius. The wind chill will make it feel closer to minus 12. Overnight, the low will hover around minus 7, with a wind chill near minus 13 and a risk of freezing drizzle.
Tuesday's Significant Snowfall Expected
Tuesday, December 23rd, is predicted to bring the most substantial snowfall of the week. The Weather Channel is forecasting an accumulation of 5 to 10 centimetres of snow, with a high of minus 5 and a low of minus 6. Environment Canada's prediction is slightly more conservative, calling for 2 to 4 centimetres of snow alongside a morning risk of freezing drizzle and a biting wind chill near minus 13.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Outlook
The snow is expected to taper off as the holiday arrives, but the cold will remain. For Wednesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve), Environment Canada forecasts a mix of sun and cloud with a high of minus 2 and an overnight low of minus 7. The Weather Channel suggests a possibility of an additional 1 to 3 centimetres of snow.
On Thursday, December 25th—Christmas Day—the Weather Channel anticipates a partly cloudy sky. The high will be a chilly minus 4 degrees, but the temperature is expected to plummet to a frigid overnight low of minus 20 degrees. There remains a chance of holiday flurries to complete the seasonal picture.
This incoming weather pattern ensures that the iconic image of skaters against a backdrop of snow and Christmas lights, reminiscent of scenes at outdoor rinks like the one in Pointe-Claire, will be a reality for Montreal this festive season. Residents are advised to prepare for the return of winter driving conditions and bundle up against the cold as they head out for last-minute shopping or holiday visits.
