Montreal Weather Is In For A Winter Storm This Weekend With 'Significant Snowfall'

As Montrealers enjoy a brief break from the winter chill, Environment Canada warns that this weekend, the city is set to face yet another formidable winter storm, bringing "significant snowfall" to the region.

The new storm, mirroring its predecessor earlier this week, is poised to blanket most of Quebec with a fresh layer of white, accompanied by strong winds and the challenge of blowing snow, according to a new special weather statement.

Snowfall is expected to start overnight on Friday, initially covering Western and Southern Quebec, before spreading to Eastern Quebec on Saturday. Southern areas might witness a changeover to rain, interspersed with a possibility of freezing rain during the transition from snow to rain.

MétéoMédia is comparing the upcoming storm to a déjà-vu experience, similar to Wednesday's storm. The trajectory and impact of the storm system are expected to be quite similar, bringing varied precipitation across different regions of Quebec. Southern sectors, such as Montérégie and Estrie, may experience a mix of snow and rain.

Meteorologists are still fine-tuning their forecasts, and there remains some uncertainty about the exact amounts of precipitation to expect. However, the general consensus points towards a significant weather event. Coastal areas in Eastern Quebec should brace for breaking sea conditions due to strong waves.

Driving conditions across the province are expected to be perilous, and residents are advised to reconsider any non-essential travel plans. There's also a chance of power outages as strong winds and heavy snowfall may disrupt power lines.

The Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SIM) advises residents to keep home emergency exits clear by removing snow accumulation that obstructs evacuation routes. It's also vital to clear snow from rooftops and balconies to prevent structural issues.

The forecast for the next few days in Montreal is mainly cloudy, with a 60 percent chance of flurries on Thursday afternoon and winds gusting up to 50 km/h. The temperature is expected to hold steady near -4 C, with a wind chill factor making it feel closer to -13 C.

Looking ahead, Friday is expected to see clear skies in the morning with similar temperatures, while Saturday brings the full onset of the storm with snow or rain and higher temperatures, with a high of 2 C. The night will bring periods of snow and windy conditions, with temperatures dipping to a low of minus 6.

The stormy conditions will continue into Sunday, with periods of snow, windy weather, and a high of -5 C, followed by a return to clearer skies on Monday. The pattern of fluctuating weather conditions suggests that Montrealers should be prepared for a mix of snow, chilly temperatures, and occasional clear skies in the week ahead.