Up to 30 cm of snow possible in parts of Quebec as wintry storm looms
Prepare for a disruptive snowfall event across much of Quebec to close out the weekend, beginning on Sunday and lasting into the beginning of the work week for some areas as another round of the white stuff will follow suit.
The winter pre-game show is about to begin in Quebec. The first widespread snow event of the season for much of the region will get underway on Sunday.
Drivers should expect slick roads and slow travel once the snow arrives. Some areas could see as much as 30 cm of snow by the time it moves out, with Montreal falling in the 10 cm range.
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Drivers across Quebec can expect slick road s and slow travel starting Sunday and lasting into the beginning of the work week.
Sunday: Significant snowfall expected from wintry system
On Sunday afternoon, periods of snowfall develop across southern Quebec with mixing in the Eastern Townships. Northeasterly winds of 20-40 km/h during this time 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 through late-afternoon and early Sunday evening across Montreal with snowfall rates of 1-2 cm an hour.
Although the low tracks south of Montreal, temperatures are forecast to nudge above the freezing mark Sunday night, bringing a wintry mix and transition to rain through the overnight.
Snowfall forecast through Tuesday morning:
Shawinigan: 15-25 cm
Saguenay: 20-30 cm
Saint Jerome: 15-20 cm
Trois-Rivieres: 15-20 cm
Quebec City: 10-15 cm
Downtown Montreal: 10 cm
Drummondville: About 10 cm
Sherbrooke: About 5 cm
Most of the Montreal area can expect more than 10 cm of snowfall, with northwestern sections exceeding 15 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: 15-25+ cm
Le Massif de Charlevoix: 15-25+ 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.
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Heavy snowfall is anticipated through pre-dawn hours on Monday for Shawnigan and Quebec City, with blowing snow and reduced visibility
Sunday overnight to early Monday morning will see Montreal transition back to light snowfall, with a wintry mix continuing farther northeast
On Monday, a wintry mix (including rain) will occur north of Sorel towards Trois-Rivières and into Quebec City as warmer air is drawn north.
February 2025 snowfall near Montreal, Que. (Henri Périard/Submitted to The Weather Network)
Very heavy snow for Saguenay and Rimouski early Monday, then transitioning to rain by afternoon.
By late Monday afternoon and evening, another wave of low pressure lifts north, giving some bonus snow for southern Quebec--Sherbrooke, Drummondville, Montreal.
Additional accumulations
Montreal: 3-5 cm
Eastern Townships: 5+ cm
Saguenay: About 10 cm
Mountains north of Quebec City: 10+ cm
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.