Icy snow to hinder travel across Ontario, Quebec as temperatures plunge
A blanket of slushy, icy Sunday snow will make travel difficult in many areas across Ontario and Quebec.
Motorists will need to be mindful if heading out Sunday in southern Ontario or Quebec, as snow continues to fall through the day and winds remain blustery. While the additional accumulations won't be too heavy, with 3-15 cm across Central Canada, the combination of strong winds and a conversion to icy snow on the pavement from minus-digit temperatures Sunday will certainly hinder commutes as roads will be slippery. Winds will continue to howl at 40-60 km/h through the afternoon before winding down in the evening. More on the details on what's left of the current bout of snow and the temperature plummet, below.
SUNDAY: SNOW CREATES DIFFICULT TRAVEL ACROSS ONTARIO AND QUEBEC
Winter weather travel advisories are still in place in southern Ontario, as snowfall will continue through late Sunday morning before diminishing. Snowfall in Quebec will be confined to areas along the St. Lawrence River, with Montreal and the Eastern Townships seeing it persist through the afternoon before departing in the evening.
Additional snowfall accumulations of 5-10 cm is expected across eastern Ontario, with up to 15 cm for areas in the Eastern Townships in Quebec. Marginally less for southern Ontario and areas north of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec -- with 3-5 cm in some locales.
Because the snow melted on pavement, this is having more of an impact on travellers, despite the low totals. This is because the compressed slush will turn to ice as temperatures stay well below freezing Sunday.
Winds will remain blustery, with 40-60 km/h gusts, through the afternoon, then relaxing as the evening progresses. Travel could still be impacted by blowing snow, however, so motorists should anticipate slower commutes into the evening hours.
CONSIDERABLE TEMPERATURE DROP IN BEHIND SYSTEMS
A quick blast of Arctic air will arrive behind the system on Sunday into Monday. Daytime highs will fall below freezing on Sunday across southern Ontario and Quebec. Gusty winds will make it feel even colder, with wind chill values reaching the minus teens at times.
Similar temperatures are expected Monday, though it’ll be much colder in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec, with daytime highs no warmer than the minus teens, and wind chill values feeling closer to -20.
Looking ahead further, temperatures will moderate Tuesday and Wednesday, but another colder blast of Arctic air arrives late week. Variable temperatures and an active pattern are expected into the second week of January.
Thumbnail courtesy of Ian, taken in London, Ont.
Check back as we continue to monitor the latest forecast for Ontario and Quebec.