Montreal is gearing up for a messy stretch of winter weather as a Environment Canada special weather statement warns of more than 15 centimetres of snow expected Wednesday and Thursday. The system could bring reduced visibility, slick roads, and blowing snow, with Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning rush hours likely taking the hardest hit. Forecasters note that totals could still shift as the storm continues to develop.
Snow moves into Montreal tonight, with light flakes beginning early in the evening and temperatures holding near minus-7 Celsius. The city wakes up to steady snow on Wednesday, with about five centimetres accumulating through the day and a high near minus-2 C. Roads are expected to slow quickly as snowfall continues into Wednesday night, when temperatures fall to minus-5 C.
“Snow will continue throughout the day, probably briefly throughout the afternoon and at night,” said Peter Kimbell, meteorologist for Environment Canada. “Rush hour on Wednesday and Thursday will be affected.”
The storm peaks on Thursday, bringing more persistent snow and winds strong enough to create pockets of blowing snow, especially along wider streets and elevated roadways.
“Thursday snow will taper off in the morning hours gradually,” said Kimbell. “Winds will be significant especially on Thursday when blowing snow is expected during the morning,” warned Kimbell.
Montreal will stay near minus-5 C, keeping surfaces icy and visibility reduced. Flurries continue Thursday night, with temperatures dipping to minus-10 C.
Weather conditions calm down Friday, offering a break with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of minus-5 C, followed by a clear night at minus-8 C.
Another quick round of light, unsettled weather may sweep into the city on Saturday, with a 60 per cent chance of flurries and a high of minus-3 C. Cloudy skies and another chance of flurries continue into the night at minus-9 C.
Montrealers finally get some quiet weather Sunday, when skies clear and temperatures stay near minus-8 C, before the city heads into a bitterly cold night around minus-16 C.
Residents are advised to plan extra travel time mid-week and stay updated.
