Montreal is bracing for a bitterly cold start to the new year as a deep freeze settles over the city for the first weekend of 2026. Residents awoke on Friday, January 2, to a punishing wind chill of minus-31 degrees Celsius, setting the tone for a weekend where bundling up will be non-negotiable for any outdoor activities.
A Weekend Forecast Locked in the Deep Freeze
According to Environment Canada, the arctic grip on the city will not relent through Sunday. While the skies will offer some sun, the temperatures will remain dangerously low. Friday's forecast promised mainly sunny skies but with an afternoon high of only minus-13°C. The wind chill, however, makes it feel like minus-21°C, accompanied by a pronounced risk of frostbite.
The cold will intensify overnight into Saturday. Friday night is expected to be mainly cloudy with a low of minus-19°C, but the wind chill will plummet to a bone-chilling minus-27°C.
Saturday and Sunday: Sun Offers Little Relief
Saturday will see sunny conditions, but the morning wind chill is forecast to be a staggering minus-28°C. It will moderate slightly to minus-21°C in the afternoon, yet the risk of frostbite persists. The daytime high will struggle to reach minus-14°C, with an overnight low of minus-18°C.
Sunday's forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a high of minus-14°C. Under clear skies overnight, the temperature is expected to drop to a low of minus-21°C, ensuring the cold snap continues unabated as the weekend concludes.
Staying Safe in the Extreme Cold
The consistent theme from forecasters is the serious risk of frostbite. With wind chill values hovering around minus-30°C, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Environment Canada and local health authorities urge Montrealers to take stringent precautions:
- Limit time outdoors, especially during the early morning and evening hours when wind chills are most severe.
- Dress in multiple layers of clothing, including a wind-resistant and waterproof outer layer.
- Cover all exposed skin. Wear a hat, scarf, mittens (which are warmer than gloves), and insulated, waterproof boots.
- Be aware of the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, which include numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and intense shivering.
The scene on the streets, like that captured on New Year's Eve with Montrealer Emmanuel bundling up on Notre-Dame St., will be a common sight throughout this icy weekend. While the forecast notably lacks significant snow, the extreme cold presents its own set of hazards for anyone venturing outside.
This prolonged bout of frigid weather serves as a stark reminder of a classic Canadian winter, demanding respect and preparation from all residents as they navigate the first days of 2026.
