A significant winter weather alert has been issued for a large portion of Quebec, with residents in the southwest, including Montreal, advised to prepare for heavy snowfall. Environment Canada has placed the region under a snow squall watch, indicating conditions are favourable for intense, localized bands of snow that can rapidly reduce visibility and accumulate quickly.
Impending Storm Set to Blanket the Region
The impending system is forecast to deposit a substantial amount of snow across the affected areas. Meteorologists anticipate total accumulations exceeding 15 centimetres in Montreal and surrounding regions before conditions begin to ease. This will necessitate a major response from municipal snow-clearing crews, who are likely to be deployed throughout the event and in its aftermath to keep roads and sidewalks passable.
The snow squall watch, effective as of the afternoon of December 20, 2025, highlights the potential for hazardous travel. These squalls are known for their sudden onset and can create near-zero visibility on highways, leading to dangerous driving conditions. Residents are being urged to monitor forecasts closely and consider postponing non-essential travel once the snow begins to fall in earnest.
Broader Weather Impacts Across the Nation
This Quebec weather event is part of an active pattern affecting multiple provinces. In neighbouring Ontario, similar warnings have been issued for parts of southwestern Ontario, where snow squalls and strong winds are expected. Further west, Saskatchewan RCMP has reported multiple collisions due to icy conditions and blowing snow, underscoring the widespread nature of the winter hazards.
The situation in Quebec serves as a reminder of the powerful winter systems that can sweep across the country. Other provinces are dealing with related challenges, from icy roads to extreme cold, as seen in Alberta where hundreds lined up in freezing temperatures for holiday turkeys.
Preparedness and Safety Recommendations
With the snow squall watch in effect, authorities are advising the public to take necessary precautions. This includes ensuring vehicles are equipped with winter tires and emergency kits, allowing for extra travel time, and being prepared for potential delays in public transportation. Pedestrians should also exercise caution, as sidewalks can become slippery and snow-covered quickly.
As the storm develops, updates from Environment Canada and local officials will be crucial. The watch may be upgraded to a warning if confidence in the intensity and track of the snow bands increases. For now, Montreal and southwestern Quebec are bracing for the first major winter blast of the season, which promises to transform the landscape with a thick blanket of white just days before the Christmas holiday.
