As winter refuses to loosen its grip, Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for the Bas-St-Laurent and Gaspésie regions. According to Flo FM, the warning was announced on March 30, 2025, predicting that these areas will receive between 5 to 10 centimeters of snow overnight. As the day progresses on Monday, March 31, the snow is expected to transition into freezing rain by midday, before finally turning into plain rain by late afternoon.
In Témiscouata, the forecast is equally concerning. Mon Témiscouata reported that a weather cocktail is on the horizon for the next 24 hours, with specific predictions of 2 to 5 millimeters of freezing rain on Monday. Snow is set to begin early on the evening of March 30, followed by sleet during the night. The region is also expected to see an accumulation of 5 to 10 centimeters of snow and sleet. By late morning on March 31, the freezing rain will change to rain, ceasing in the late afternoon.
Meanwhile, MonThetford has echoed similar warnings, stating that the region is under a freezing rain alert. The forecast predicts several hours of freezing rain that could result in 5 to 10 millimeters of ice accumulation on the evening of March 30. The freezing rain is expected to transition to rain around midnight, with temperatures rising to 8 degrees Celsius overnight. By Monday, March 31, the area can expect between 5 to 10 mm of rain, with maximum temperatures reaching 15 degrees Celsius.
In the Outaouais region, FM1047 has reported that freezing rain is anticipated to follow the snowfall. Environment Canada has issued a warning indicating a prolonged period of freezing rain is expected. Near the Ontario border, an accumulation of 5 to 10 mm is predicted, while other areas in Outaouais should prepare for 2 to 5 mm of freezing rain throughout the day on Sunday, March 30.
Marie-Annick Gariépy, an environmental relations advisor at Hydro-Québec, has expressed concerns regarding the potential impacts of freezing rain. She noted that the icy conditions could lead to power outages. Gariépy mentioned that Hydro-Québec teams have been monitoring the evolution of this weather system since Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Fortunately, she added that the anticipated temperatures at the beginning of the week offer some reassurance. "The weather system will be followed by rain, which is quite positive for us. If freezing rain accumulates on branches and we then experience a thaw, the ice will likely melt, which is very good for Hydro-Québec," she stated.
As the winter weather continues to hold sway over the region, residents are urged to prepare for slippery surfaces on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Conditions are expected to be hazardous, particularly with the combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Drivers are advised to adjust their driving habits to suit the changing road conditions.
The unpredictable nature of this weather system serves as a reminder that winter is not finished just yet. As temperatures fluctuate and precipitation patterns shift, communities across the affected regions are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. With these warnings in place, it’s crucial for everyone to remain vigilant and prepared for what Mother Nature has in store.
