Quebec bracing for 15-30 cm of snow from approaching storm
Drivers across Quebec can expect slick roads and slow travel starting Sunday and lasting into the beginning of the workweek
Prepare for a disruptive snowfall event across much of Quebec beginning on Sunday and lasting into the beginning of the workweek for some areas.
Drivers should expect slick roads and slow travel once the snow arrives.
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Light snow will pick up through the morning hours on Sunday across the Montreal area, with some mixing across the Eastern Townships. Northeasterly winds of 20-40 km/h will increase the risk for blowing snow.
Residents are advised to keep a close eye on the forecast and prepare to adjust travel plans accordingly.
Forecasters have high confidence for the heaviest snowfall to occur Sunday evening across Montreal with snowfall rates of 1-2 cm an hour.
Although the low tracks south of Montreal Sunday evening, temperatures are forecast to nudge above the freezing mark during the overnight, bringing a wintry mix and the chance of rain south of the St. Lawrence River.
Snowfall forecast through Tuesday morning:
Shawinigan: 20-30 cm
Saguenay: 20-30 cm
Saint Jerome: 15-20 cm
Quebec City: 10-15 cm
Trois-Rivières: 15-20 cm
Montreal: 10-15 cm
Drummondville: 10-15 cm
Sherbrooke: Less than 5 cm
The major ski resorts are mostly looking at a complete snow event, except for a mix on Monday north of Quebec City.
Mont-Tremlant: 15-20 cm
Mont Saint-Anne: 15-20+ cm
Le Massif de Charlevoix: 15-20+ cm
A good, early-season snowfall for the ski resorts means the opening days later in November and early December may be achievable for the local ski resorts.
Montreal averages about 15 cm of snow in a typical November.
February 2025 snowfall near Montreal, Que. (Henri Périard/Submitted to The Weather Network)
Sunday overnight will see Montreal transition back to light snowfall through the pre-dawn hours Monday morning, with a wintry mix continuing farther northeast.
Monday will feature wet snow and a wintry mix north of Sorel towards Trois-Rivières and into Quebec City as warmer air is drawn north. As well, very heavy snow for Saguenay and Rimouski, then transitioning to rain by afternoon.
Monday night features some bonus snow for southern Quebec--Sherbrooke, Drummondville and Montreal-- as another pulse of moisture moves across the region.
Increased risk of traffic accidents with an early-season snowfall. Drivers will need to adjust to road conditions and slow down with limited visibility.
Safety tips for driving in adverse weather
Install winter tires. Winter tires can improve stopping distance by up to 30 per cent in wintry conditions.
Prepare an emergency kit. Include the basics like snacks, first aid kit, flashlights and blankets.
Plan your travel. If possible, postpone trips during active weather and especially freezing rain. Driving is not worth the risk.
Adjust your speed. A gentle reminder that stopping distance increases exponentially as your speed increases.
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