Montreal is facing a volatile stretch of winter weather today as freezing rain, strong winds and plunging temperatures trigger two weather alerts across the region.
A prolonged period of freezing rain and ice pellets is expected to continue through the end of the day, with 5 to 15 millimetres of ice accretion forecast for the Montreal area. Conditions will be especially treacherous this morning, with freezing rain gradually changing to snow mixed with rain later this afternoon. Temperatures will hover around plus 1 celsius , but the wind chill made it feel closer to minus -13 C early in the day.
Winds will intensify as the day progresses. Northeasterly winds this morning will shift to the southwest by late afternoon, reaching 60 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h in Montreal.
Environment Canada warns that the combination of ice buildup and high winds could lead to falling branches, dangerous road conditions and prolonged power outages, particularly during the evening commute.
Tonight, skies will remain mostly cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of flurries. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply to minus – 12 C, with wind chills sinking from minus – 9 C in the evening to minus – 23 C overnight as strong winds continue.
Tuesday will offer little relief, with mainly cloudy skies and flurries lingering throughout the day. The temperature will struggle to reach minus – 10 C, while brisk west winds keep the wind chill near minus – 23 C. Cloudy conditions and flurries continue Tuesday night, with a low of minus – 13 C.
Midweek brings colder but calmer conditions. Wednesday will see a mix of sun and cloud with a daytime high of minus – 10 C, followed by a cloudy night with temperatures falling to minus – 18 C. New Year’s Day will remain cold but brighter, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of minus – 13 C, before clearing skies overnight send temperatures plunging to minus – 21 C.
Friday is expected to be sunny but frigid, with a high of minus – 12 C, while clouds return overnight and temperatures dip to minus – 15 C. The weekend remains unsettled, with a mix of sun and cloud Saturday and a high of minus – 11 C, followed by a cloudy night and a 60 per cent chance of flurries with a low of minus – 12 C. Sunday will stay cloudy with flurries possible and a slightly milder high of minus – 8 C.
Montrealers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, allow extra time for commutes, and stay alert for falling ice and branches as the storm continues to unfold.
