Extreme cold tightens on Quebec with hazardous wind chills
March is notorious for featuring cold weather, but even the temperatures and wind chills that Quebec is seeing are a bit chillier than usual for this time of the year––thanks to frosty winds blowing unusually cold air into the region
Prepare for several mornings of dangerously (and unusually) cold temperatures as we begin the month of March in southern Quebec
The wind chill value in Montreal hit -30 on early Sunday morning, a rare feat for the month of March.
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Extreme cold warnings are in place for areas north and east of Montreal, but the major city will still be facing similar impacts from the frigid weather. If you do need to go outside, cover up with adequate layers. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.
Dangerous wind chills possible Sunday and Monday
Frigid air blowing into Quebec will make for dangerously cold temperatures at times on Sunday and Monday.
Early Sunday morning, the temperature fell below -20°C at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, the first time in March since 2017, but it’s going to get colder.
Wind chill values dipped to -30 in Montreal early Sunday morning, only the fifth time on record that’s happened in the month of March since 2000.
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How often does the coldest temperature of the year fall in March? Not often. The last time was in 2007.
March 6, 2007 (-24.3°C)
March 3, 2003 (-26.8°C)
March 2, 1980 (-27.1°C)
March 4, 1950 (-29.4°C)
The frostiest air of this short cold spell will arrive overnight Sunday into Monday morning, with temperatures in the mid-negative 20s expected throughout southern Quebec. This includes a predicted low of -24°C in Montreal, -25°C in Gatineau, and -24°C up the river in Quebec City.
Season’s coldest temperatures within reach
It’s possible that these could be the coldest temperatures we’ve seen all season in some communities.
Montreal’s lowest temperature this season was a -21.8°C reading on Feb. 2. It’ll be much tougher for Quebec City to meet or exceed its seasonal low-point of -29.3°C set back on Feb. 12.
Beware health hazards, infrastructure strain
Temperatures this cold will pose a threat to life and property.
Frostbite can develop in as little as 10 minutes when wind chill values are in the -30s. Fingers, toes, and ears have the highest risk of developing frostbite. Extreme cold can irritate the lungs, particularly for those who live with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Outdoor workers and folks who are homeless are at the highest risk of dangerous exposure to the cold air.
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There’s also an increased risk for carbon monoxide poisoning as residents try to stay warm through these frigid nights.
The cold weather could also lead to some impacts on infrastructure throughout the region. Extreme freeze-thaw cycles can lead to potholes in roads and bridges, as well as burst pipes. Water mains can crack and lead to significant flooding and water outages.
Public transit may experience delays as the extreme cold freezes switches and hydraulic systems slow down. Fluctuating temperatures can also create thin and uneven ice surfaces, leading to dangerous ice conditions throughout the region.