Major snowfalls are set to blanket southern Quebec and Ontario as Environment Canada has issued weather warnings for significant snowfall impacting travel just before Christmas.
According to Environment Canada, regions including Montreal, Montérégie, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Outaouais, Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec, and Estrie should prepare for hazardous conditions on the roads. Starting Monday afternoon (December 23) and continuing through to Tuesday morning (December 24), it is expected to receive between 10 and 15 centimeters of snow, potentially disrupting holiday travel plans.
The snow is forecasted to fall in two distinct waves. The first light snow will begin Monday morning, with heavier accumulations anticipated for the evening and overnight hours. The federal agency warned, "Les automobilistes doivent s'attendre à des conditions de conduite hivernales dangereuses et adapter leurs plans de voyage en conséquence." Poor visibility will likely occur during periods of heavy snow, raising concerns for road safety.
Montreal, where the snow will start around 4:30 PM, is bracing for the engagement of many families trying to gather for holiday festivities. Environment Canada stated, "Une accumulation de 10 à 15 centimètres de neige pourrait perturber les déplacements," indicating the potential for significant travel delays.
Conditions are not isolated to just Quebec; areas of Southern Ontario are likewise bracing for snowfall. Residents were advised to exercise caution, especially during the evening commute as visibility may be suddenly reduced under heavy snow conditions.
The temperatures will hover around freezing leading up to Christmas Day, when some warmer weather may roll through the Greater Toronto Area later in the week. "Faites preuve de prudence lorsque vous marchez ou conduisez dans les secteurs touchés," Environment Canada stated, amplifying the message of caution for those traveling during the early days of the holidays.
Advice from meteorologists includes preparedness for driving delays and challenging walking conditions. With winter firmly taking hold, many residents are preparing for the potential of not just heavy snowfall but also the threat of freezing drizzle later on, as precipitation transitions.
Weather events like these highlight the importance of adhering to warnings issued by weather agencies and adapting travel plans accordingly, especially during such significant travel seasons like the holidays.
According to historical data, since 1989, Montreal has seen 11 Christmases without snow, dubbed “Noël vert.” Fortunately for this year, locals can anticipate enough snowfall for the ideal winter wonderland effect for Christmas.
Looking toward the rest of the week, once the snowfall subsides—with expectations to taper off to flurries by Tuesday morning—weather patterns will shift, and residents can expect some sunshine and clearer skies to re-emerge, albeit still under cold temperatures.
This major weather event emphasizes the need for vigilance as residents navigate both festive gatherings and the impacts of winter weather on transportation. To stay safe and enjoy the holiday season, individuals are advised to plan travel carefully, staying informed with updates from Environment Canada.
