Montreal Braces for Coldest Temperatures in 45 Years

ago 6 hours
Montreal Braces for Coldest Temperatures in 45 Years

Montreal is preparing for an extreme cold spell this weekend, one that could set records. The city is about to experience its coldest temperatures in 45 years, with conditions expected to be particularly severe from Saturday.

Historic Cold Snap Expected

The cold Arctic air mass is moving south from the Prairies and Ontario into Quebec. Although temperatures will start to drop on Friday, the worst conditions are anticipated on Saturday. Daytime highs in southern Quebec may struggle to rise above -20°C.

Temperature Projections

  • Saturday and Sunday are expected to be the coldest days of the winter.
  • Wind chill could push the feel-like temperatures below -30°C across the region.

If the average maximum temperatures in Montreal remain at -20°C or lower over the weekend, it will mark the coldest weekend since January 1981. On January 3 and 4, 1981, similar frigid conditions were recorded, making this situation particularly noteworthy.

Recent Weather Trends

Comparatively, the last time Montreal experienced a full day with temperatures below -20°C was on January 6, 2018. The forecast indicates that this weekend could see two consecutive days with such bitter cold.

As we reach the end of Sunday, a weather system will begin to move through the province, potentially bringing a slight moderation in temperatures. However, it is important to note that temperatures are expected to remain below seasonal averages well into early February.

This information has been compiled with insights from meteorologist Patrick Duplessis. Stay updated as Montreal braces for this historic cold snap.