The province of Quebec is bracing for significant winter weather as Environment Canada has issued warnings for freezing rain and subsequent rainfall expected this weekend. This weather scenario follows several days of bitter cold and is caused by a powerful system moving north from the southern United States.
According to meteorologist Gina Ressler, the anticipated winter conditions will begin late Saturday evening and extend through Sunday morning, affecting multiple regions including Montreal, Lanaudière, Mauricie, the Laurentians, Laval, Montérégie, and Chaudière-Appalaches. "After a very cold week, warm air is arriving from the south, but surfaces remain below freezing," she notes. "This means we can expect icy and slippery conditions this weekend, accompanied by freezing rain or drizzle."
On Friday, western Quebec areas around Val-d’Or were already experiencing light freezing rain, with more intense conditions expected throughout the St. Lawrence Valley over the weekend. Environment Canada predicts several millimeters of freezing rain could create hazardous travel conditions, leading to ice-covered roads and sidewalks.
The significant rainfall accompanying this weather system is projected to be substantial. Precipitation could reach 20 to 30 mm and potentially up to 50 mm at higher elevations and areas along the St. Lawrence River. Ressler cautions, "The icy conditions will likely not last long as temperatures are set to rise Sunday and Monday, melting the ice with the onset of warmer, wetter weather." Given this rapid change, levels of local rivers will need to be monitored closely as snow from previous storms is also set to thaw.
Compounding these weather concerns is the continuing smog warning issued for the southern regions of Quebec, including Laval and the South Shore of Montreal. High concentrations of pollutants have degraded air quality, particularly due to stagnant weather patterns. "For the past two days, we have had high pressure over Quebec and the air is very stagnant, which allows pollutants to linger near the surface. Heating with wood is the main source of smog and pollutants here," Ressler explains.
This air quality issue poses potential health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as children with asthma or those suffering from respiratory or cardiac diseases. Individuals are advised to limit intense outdoor activities until the smog warning is lifted. The entire population is encouraged to contribute by minimizing the use of wood stoves and fireplaces to help mitigate air pollution.
Looking forward, Quebec is expected to experience a pause from precipitation leading up to New Year's Eve before another weather system likely approaches from the south. “We are currently in an active weather period for Eastern Canada, so we can expect more depressions, precipitation, and temperature variations,” Ressler added.
Officials are urging residents to remain informed by keeping up with the latest forecasts and alerts from Environment Canada over the coming days. With the combination of dangerous road conditions and poor air quality, safety remains the top priority as Quebec prepares for this winter weather event.
