Montreal residents braced for a major winter storm on Monday morning, but instead encountered a surprisingly manageable commute as the season's first snowfall arrived as freezing rain rather than the predicted heavy snow.
Rush Hour Defies Expectations
The much-anticipated 20-centimetre snow dump failed to materialize, transforming into what weather officials described as a sloppy dollop of freezing rain. This unexpected shift proved particularly evident during the Monday morning rush hour, where commuters found conditions wet but largely passable.
According to the Quebec 511 traffic monitoring site, Montreal's road network remained largely clear as of 6:30 a.m., with only minor water accumulation reported on some city highways. Traffic appeared lighter than typical Monday mornings, possibly due to either anticipation of severe weather or many residents opting to work from home.
Environment Canada's Updated Forecast
The national weather agency adjusted its predictions throughout the morning. The forecast for Montreal called for periods of rain changing to periods of light snow during the morning hours. Fog patches that developed overnight were expected to dissipate as the day progressed.
Environment Canada indicated that snowfall would amount to approximately 2 centimetres throughout the day, with temperatures holding steady near 1 degree Celsius. The relatively mild temperatures helped prevent significant ice accumulation on road surfaces.
Evening and Overnight Conditions
Monday night brings additional precipitation, with two to four centimetres of snow expected across the Montreal region. Temperatures are forecast to drop to a low of minus-2 Celsius, with windchill making it feel like minus-9 Celsius.
The transition from rain to snow throughout the day marks Montreal's official entry into winter weather patterns, though the milder-than-expected start provided residents with a gradual introduction to seasonal commuting challenges.
