Quebec is enduring one of the snowiest winters on record as it contends with back-to-back blizzards this February. People across the province have been blanketed with significant snowfall, leading to unusual delays and disruptions.
From February 13 to 18, 2025, two snowstorms slammed various regions across Quebec, with Montreal recording its heaviest snowfall since 1898. More than 72 cm of snow fell within just four days, forcing municipal teams to work around the clock to clear the streets. "À Montréal, des équipes travaillent sans relâche depuis la première tempête le 13 février. Plusieurs rues sont étroites, les bancs de neige atteignent souvent une hauteur de plus de trois mètres," reported local meteorologists reflecting on the challenges faced by snow removal teams.
The storms made it hard for residents to maneuver through the city; many streets were reduced to narrow passages flanked by towering piles of snow. Municipal authorities announced they might require up to two weeks to manage the snow effectively. Jimmy Bouchard, president of the public works commission of Saguenay, mentioned, "Il faut remonter au 2 décembre 1942 pour avoir des précipitations semblables," indicating the severity of the weather events.
Further complicate the situation, more than fifty schools across the province closed their doors for three days due to safety concerns following the height of the storms. The snow also made travel dangerous across many routes, particularly affecting areas like Gaspé, where certain highways were shut for days.
Despite the tumultuous conditions, some ski resorts reported exceptional business. For ski areas like Bromont and Mont Sutton, the winter proved advantageous. Marc-André Meunier, director of sales and marketing at Bromont, shared his enthusiasm about the booming winter sports conditions: "C’est une saison extraordinaire. Ça fait huit ans que je travaille ici et je ne me rappelle pas d’une saison aussi belle." This influx of visitors highlights the positive flipside of substantial snowfall.
The storms did not go unnoticed by meteorologists who took note of the substantial snowfall counts. Regions such as Saguenay saw accumulations exceeding the seasonal average. According to Jimmy Desbiens of Météo Chicoutimi, "Les tempêtes ont remis les compteurs à zéro, sinon, on aurait eu un hiver plus tranquille." The storm cycles have brought relief from previous deficits seen earlier this winter.
While many celebrated the recreational opportunities created by the snow, they also urged the public to be cautious. With transportation networks challenged, several municipalities had to prioritize snow removal on main arteries and areas close to schools.
Gina Ressler, meteorologist from Environment Canada, stressed the unpredictability of the weather, stating, "Au-delà, c’est difficile de prédire s’il y aura d’autres tempêtes avant la fin de l’hiver." Residents remain on alert as temperature fluctuations hint at potential conditions conducive to more snow systems arriving.
Looking forward, though March typically brings about warmth, past experiences suggest it is also notorious for snowstorms. February 2025 may herald more unpredictable and extreme weather as atmospheric tensions between cold and warm fronts interact, creating dramatic changes.
Overall, the blizzards of February have left Quebec's residents grappling with both the fun and the inconvenience of heavy snow. Those across the province will likely carry memories of this winter, whether enjoying ski lifts at their local mountains or adjusting to the challenges of snow-laden streets.
While these storms have woven unforgettable stories of winter across Quebec, the challenge will be for residents to adapt as they await what the remainder of the season holds.