Towering snow piles could get higher as more snow targets Ottawa, Montreal
Back-to-back clippers to bring more snow to the Ottawa, Montreal region
For an area already inundated by snow, more is on the way.
As residents of southern Quebec and eastern Ontario, including Montreal and Ottawa, brace for a chilly weekend, it's essential you stay up-to-date on the latest forecast and be prepared for the additional snow ahead.
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A cold front is set to settle in this weekend, bringing light snow on Saturday night, with accumulations ranging from a dusting to locally 5 cm. Sunday will see continued flurries, setting the stage for a more significant weather event early next week.
More significant snow totals next week
The forecast for Monday indicates a potent clipper system moving through the region, expected to deliver 5-10 cm of snow across much of southern Quebec and eastern Ontario.
This will be followed by another potential clipper mid-week, keeping the winter weather theme alive.
Residents should also be aware of a more significant system that could impact the area late Thursday and into Friday, bringing additional wet snow and possibly even some mixed precipitation. While it's still too early to forecast amounts, it's essential to use this time to prepare ahead of what could be another wintry week ahead.
Extreme cold relief
While the current cold snap may seem relentless, relief is on the horizon.
Next week, temperatures are predicted to rise, finally climbing out of the deep freeze. Expect highs near or above freezing for several days, which will feel like a welcome change after the prolonged cold.
However, don't get too comfortable just yet—forecasts suggest a return to a wintry pattern for the first half of March, with colder-than-normal temperatures and a heightened risk of winter storms.
Be sure to check back on Feb. 28 for The Weather Network's official March Outlook, which will go into greater detail on how much snow we could potentially see ahead of spring's arrival.
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Winter safety tips
As winter weather can lead to hazardous driving conditions, it’s crucial for residents to take necessary precautions. Here are some essential winter driving and safety tips:
Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking your tires, battery, and fluid levels.
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Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes blankets, a flashlight, non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit, and a shovel. This can be invaluable in case you get stranded.
Slow Down: Reduce your speed in snowy or icy conditions. Allow for extra time to reach your destination, and increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react.
Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates and road conditions. If a winter storm is in the forecast, consider postponing non-essential travel.
Clear Your Vehicle: Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is free of snow and ice, including the roof, windows, and lights. This improves visibility and reduces the risk of snow flying off and obstructing other drivers' views.
Watch for Black Ice: Be cautious of black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses, which can freeze faster than other road surfaces.
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Stay Calm: If you find yourself in a difficult situation, such as getting stuck in snow, stay calm and assess your options. If you need to call for help, stay with your vehicle and signal for assistance. You'll also want to be cautious of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before running your vehicle, make sure to clear any snow from the exhaust pipe. You can find more tips here.
As we transition from the deep freeze into milder conditions, remember that winter is not over yet, and being prepared is key to staying safe on the roads.