Outages rapidly mount as 90+ km/h gusting winds blow through Quebec
Widespread winter warnings continue to be in effect for a burst of rough conditions, and a dangerous travel risk across Quebec into Tuesday
Expect rough conditions across much of Quebec through the overnight Monday as a powerful low-pressure system swirls over Hudson Bay.
A cold front extending off this low will sweep across the province with gusty winds and bursts of heavy snow. The combination of winds and snow could lead to localized blizzard conditions.
Snow squall watches are in effect for much of western Quebec ahead of this front’s arrival. Wind warnings line the St. Lawrence Valley for the gusty wind threat.
Power outages due to the high winds are possible. Over 100,000 Hydro-Quebec customers across southern Quebec are without power as of 8:45 p.m. ET.
Stay up-to-date with the latest weather alerts in your area, and be sure to monitor road conditions throughout the region as this hazardous weather arrives.
DON’T MISS: January’s jet stream drama leads to February pattern swap in Canada
Damaging winds, heavy snow possible
A cold front will passing through Ontario reached Quebec Monday afternoon, and is sweeping through the province into the overnight hours.
Strong wind gusts of 90+ km/h are likely as the province falls under the influence of both the low-pressure system and the powerful cold front. Damaging southwesterly winds are expected to continue for the Montreal area through the overnight.
A wind gust of 96 km/h was recorded Monday evening at the Montreal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport. This is the strongest wind gust the airport has recorded since July 13, 2023, and the strongest January wind gust recorded since 1980. In total for historical wind gusts recorded in January, this one takes sixth place.
Brief, but intense, bursts of snow are likely to accompany this front as it pushes across Quebec during the overnight hours. This risk includes Gatineau and Montreal.
The heaviest snowfall targets the Charlevoix region, where 20+ cm of fluffy snow is possible into Tuesday.
The dangerous combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds could catch commuters and drivers off guard throughout the region. Some locations could experience blizzard conditions with snowfall rates of 1-2 cm per hour.
RELATED: Montreal notches its coldest morning in nearly two years
We’ll likely see around 5 cm of snow accumulation around Metro Montreal, with higher totals possible up the St. Lawrence toward Trois-Rivieres and Quebec City.
Rapid temperature drop
Frigid air spilling into Quebec behind this system will send temperatures plunging for the final days of January.
Temperatures in Montreal will hover around -2°C at midnight on Tuesday, tumbling down to around -17°C by Tuesday morning. Expect bitterly cold wind chills in time for the Tuesday morning commute.
Expect some of the coldest temperatures of the season, with overnight lows approaching -20°C in Montreal on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
WATCH: Quebec faces blizzard conditions and freezing temps
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Quebec
Thumbnail image credit to Réjeanne Sylvain.