Quebec is bracing for unpredictable weather as temperatures fluctuate dramatically this week, which could significantly impact the plans of residents and families alike. The province recently experienced its coldest winter temperature of the season, with Montreal reaching -22.4°C on March 3, 2025. This unusual chill is about to be countered by incoming precipitation as the week progresses.
Starting on Tuesday, March 4, temperatures across southern Quebec are expected to hover around the freezing mark, setting the stage for various weather events. According to Environment Canada, significant snowfall is on the horizon, particularly for regions such as Gatineau, Montreal, Sherbrooke, and Quebec City, where snowfall is expected to commence Tuesday evening. Reports suggest several areas could receive between 25 and 30 centimeters of snow.
Environment Canada has warned locals to prepare for the worst as they predict snow will transition to freezing rain later on Tuesday night. For Gatineau, this change is anticipated to take effect shortly after the snow begins, whereas Montreal will likely see the same transition occurring during the early hours of Wednesday, March 5.
By Wednesday morning, residents should be ready for slick conditions as freezing rain is likely to occur. "La combinaison de la pluie et de la fonte des neiges pourrait provoquer d'importantes accumulations d'eau sur les routes et dans les zones basses," cautioned meteorologists from Environment Canada. This warning heightens concerns about travel safety during this tumultuous weather period.
Following the onset of freezing rain, snow is expected to return during Wednesday morning to Quebec City, with Saguenay likely receiving its share of snow by the afternoon. Heavy rainfall is also projected for other areas, including the Laurentians, the Montreal region, and Outaouais, with reports indicating they could see amounts between 20 and 30 millimeters of rain from March 5 to March 7. Mauricie and Capitale-Nationale will see deluges between 25 and 35 millimeters.
On Thursday, March 6, the weather may worsen with the threat of freezing rain affecting regions such as Charlevoix, Saguenay, and Gaspesie throughout the day. While residents of southern Quebec will experience temperatures warm enough to avoid freezing rain, areas to the north must prepare for icy and treacherous road conditions.
Places like Abitibi and northern Saguenay could accumulate around 20 centimeters of snow due to this storm. With all these weather patterns converging, Environment Canada advises the population to limit travel during these days, especially on Wednesday and Thursday.
Overall, this unpredictable 'weather cocktail' could impact many planned outdoor activities as families are caught off-guard by the sudden flip from frigid to messy. The looming storm serves as yet another reminder of the capriciousness of spring weather, especially following such brutal cold.