Environment Canada Has Issued Montreal Weather Alerts For Strong Winds & 'Vigorous' Chill
Here's hoping for a smoother transition to spring.
A person tries to have a phone conversation on a windy street in Montreal.
After a few days of unusual warmth, Montreal weather is now facing a major shift. Environment Canada has issued two warnings over expected high winds and a rapid temperature drop.
On Wednesday evening, winds could reach speeds up to 90 kilometres per hour, leading to potential hazards like injury and property damage. The agency warns of possible power outages and falling tree branches due to the wind's intensity. Residents are advised to secure any loose items.
A cold front is also set to hit the area, causing temperatures to plummet by 10 to 15 degrees in just a few hours. The sudden change will likely turn wet surfaces into icy hazards, making highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots dangerously slippery and travel difficult.
The weather outlook for Montreal shows a turbulent pattern over the next few days. Wednesday's forecast predicts periods of rain with the risk of a thunderstorm, and winds shifting from south to west, reaching 60 km/h and gusting up to 90 km/h. Temperatures are set to drop sharply by nighttime, with the rain turning into snow and the wind chill making it feel as cold as -24 C.
The rain will likely change to snow, ending before morning. Strong winds will continue but will decrease slightly after midnight. The temperature drop will be severe, reaching lows of minus 13 degrees, with wind chill making it feel even colder.
Thursday offers a brief respite with a mix of sun and cloud, though it remains cold with a high of -8 C and wind chill values plunging even lower. The weather is expected to improve gradually towards the weekend, with clearer skies and milder temperatures.
The rest of the week will likely see a continuation of cold weather with some sun. Despite the sunlight, temperatures will remain low, barely rising above freezing during the day.
On Friday, the temperature will inch towards zero, setting the stage for a slightly warmer weekend. Saturday promises a mix of sun and cloud with daytime temperatures likely reaching a more comfortable high of 9 C, followed by an increase in cloud cover overnight. Sunday continues the trend towards milder weather, maintaining a balance between sun and cloud with highs pushing into the 12 C range.
As Montreal swings from snow to sun and back, remember: spring is just around the corner, so hang tight and stay warm.