Greater Montreal is gearing up for a messy stretch of winter weather as a Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) ‘Yellow Warning’ for snowfall. About 15 to 20 cm of snow is expected from Wednesday morning through to Thursday evening.
Forecasters note that totals could still shift as the storm continues to develop.
“Travel will likely be challenging. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic. Visibility will likely be reduced at times,” explains ECCC. “Allow extra time for travel.”
Snow moves into Montreal tonight, with light flakes beginning early in the evening and temperatures holding near minus-7 Celsius.
The city will wake up to steady snow on Wednesday, with about 5 to 10 cm accumulating throughout the day and a high near minus-3 C. Roads are expected to slow quickly as snowfall continues into night, when temperatures fall to minus-6 C.
“Snow will continue throughout the day, probably briefly throughout the afternoon and at night,” said Peter Kimbell, meteorologist for ECCC. “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-9 C.
Weather conditions calm down Friday, offering a break with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of minus-6 C, followed by a clear night at minus-7 C.
Another quick round of light, unsettled weather may sweep into the city on Saturday night with a chance of flurries and low of minus-9 C.
Then more snow on Sunday and temperatures of minus-8 C, before the city heads into a bitterly cold night around minus-16 C.
