A significant tempête is expected to sweep much of Quebec beginning Sunday evening and persist into Monday or Tuesday morning in some regions, bringing a mix of heavy snow, strong winds, rain and the risk of freezing rain that could make travel hazardous.
Tempête: Where The Heaviest Snow Will Fall
Forecasters describe the system as a Colorado-type low that moved into the province after crossing the Great Lakes. The heaviest snowfall is expected in northern and northwestern sectors: Abitibi–Témiscamingue, the Côte-Nord and parts of Nord-du-Québec could see 20 to 50 cm of snow in places, while the corridor between Matagami and Val-d’Or may receive up to 40 to 50 cm by Tuesday. Other regions will see lower totals — 15 to 30 cm are anticipated for the northwestern Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Mauricie, and 5 to 10 cm in the Laurentides.
Already early in the event, Val-d’Or recorded more than 20 cm of snow by 4: 00 am ET, evidence that heavy accumulations can develop quickly in exposed areas.
Rain, Freezing Rain And A Short But Strong Thaw
The Saint Lawrence Valley, including the Greater Montreal area, and regions south of the river will be comparatively spared heavy snowfall and should receive mostly rain as milder air arrives. The system is expected to bring a marked warm-up in some southern sectors, with temperatures rising above freezing and precipitation switching from snow to rain.
During the transition, there is a significant risk of freezing rain in some areas. Freezing rain could leave a glaze of 2 to 5 mm on surfaces, creating hazardous conditions. In Montreal, accumulations of rain are expected in the range of 15 to 25 mm over the day, while parts of the North Shore and the Laurentides may see 20 to 30 mm.
Winds, Visibility And Travel Disruptions
Winds are forecast to pick up as the system intensifies. Gusts around 50 km/h are possible in many regions and could reach 50 to 80 km/h across several areas. Toward the eastern part of the province, gusts may approach or exceed 100 km/h, increasing the risk of blowing snow, sudden reductions in visibility and blizzard-like conditions.
Authorities warn that travel will likely be difficult at times; sudden whiteout conditions could reduce visibility to near zero and lead to temporary road closures. Plowing and sanding operations will be under pressure where heavy snow and strong winds coincide, and the changeover to freezing rain in some corridors could compound roadway hazards.
Short-Term Outlook And Temperatures After The System
After a brief thaw tied to the system, a sharp return to cold is expected. Temperatures are forecast to plunge again, with overnight lows falling as cold as -20 °C in some locations on the night from Tuesday into Wednesday. A follow-up, weaker system may bring a few additional centimeters of snow later in the week, with mixed precipitation possible in southern areas.
Residents and road users in affected regions are advised to prepare for rapidly changing conditions and to monitor local updates on warnings and travel advisories as the situation evolves.
