A brutal Arctic air mass has descended on Montreal, bringing dangerously cold conditions to kick off the holiday week. Environment Canada is warning residents that the biting cold carries a significant risk of frostbite for anyone venturing outside without proper protection.
Friday's Frigid Forecast
The real feel on Friday morning was a piercing minus-28 degrees Celsius due to wind chill. While air temperatures were expected to climb slightly to a high of minus-13°C, the wind chill factor will make it feel like minus-16°C in the afternoon. The brief respite is short-lived. Overnight, the wind chill is forecast to plunge back to a harsh minus-24 degrees Celsius, even as the air temperature drops only a single degree.
Understanding and Preventing Frostbite
With such extreme conditions, the risk of frostbite is a serious concern. Health Canada explains that frostbite occurs when blood vessels close to the skin constrict in the cold, severely reducing blood flow to extremities like fingers, toes, the nose, and ears. The agency provides detailed guidance on how to prevent frostbite and the critical steps to take if symptoms appear.
Essential tips for staying safe include:
- Dressing in multiple layers of warm clothing.
- Covering all exposed skin with hats, scarves, mittens (which are warmer than gloves), and insulated, waterproof boots.
- Limiting time spent outdoors during the coldest parts of the day, especially when wind chills are severe.
A Slow Weekend Warm-Up
Relief is on the horizon, but it will be gradual. Saturday is expected to see a daytime high of minus-9°C, with occasional flurries scattered across the region. Sunday will offer similar temperatures, continuing the slow warming trend. While still cold by most standards, the moderating temperatures and reduced wind will mark a noticeable improvement from Friday's dangerous deep freeze.
Despite the forecasted warm-up, Montrealers are urged to remain cautious. Pets are just as susceptible to the cold, and vehicles require extra attention in these temperatures. Checking on vulnerable neighbours and ensuring home heating systems are functioning properly are also key community considerations during this cold snap.
