Montreal weather is taking a wild turn with freezing rain & a temperature swing this week

Watch your step!

Car window and windscreen after freezing rain.

The freezing rain risk kicks in early Wednesday.

Senior Writer

Montreal weather is entering its slippery season — the time of year when we trade shoveling driveways for dodging icy wipeouts.

After yet another snowy weekend, Environment Canada is warning that "there is a risk of freezing rain on Wednesday morning before temperatures rise and rain arrives." The latest special weather statement, issued early Monday, says a surge of mild air will send temperatures soaring by midweek, bringing between 15 and 25 mm of rain between Wednesday and Thursday.

But before Montrealers can enjoy the warmth, they'll have to get through a tricky transition. The freezing rain risk kicks in early Wednesday as temperatures hover around the freezing mark, setting the stage for slick roads and icy sidewalks. By the afternoon, though, the city will shake off the deep freeze, climbing to a high of 5 C with steady rain.

Thursday looks just as soggy, with another high of 6 C and more rain in the forecast before temperatures dip Thursday night, possibly flipping precipitation back to snow.

The warm spell won't last long as chilly conditions are set to return over the weekend, with temperatures hovering between -10 C and 0 C from Friday to Sunday.

This sudden swing follows a stretch of winter storms that dumped a hefty layer of snow across the city. And while this week's milder spell might feel like a break from winter, it could also be a preview of what's ahead.

Forecasters have already hinted at a wetter-than-usual spring on the horizon. With March finally here, those hoping for an early spring might want to hold off on celebrating — both the Farmers’ Almanac and MétéoMédia suggest that winter isn't leaving southern Quebec anytime soon, with chilly conditions lingering, plenty of rain, and even some late-season snow still in the mix.


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  • Al Sciola
  • Born and raised in Montreal, Al Sciola is a Senior Writer for MTL Blog. With a background in covering sports and local events, he has a knack for finding stories that capture the city’s spirit. A lifelong Canadiens fan and trivia enthusiast, Al spends his downtime sipping espresso and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

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