Winter storm to impact southern Quebec to start 2021

Snow from Wednesday's system covers a plowed field in Notre-Dame-de-L'Ile-Perrot on New Year's Eve. The day featured partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures, perfect for any outdoor activity. (ValleyWeather Photo)

Better late than never I guess, as the first significant winter storm of the season is set to impact southern Quebec this weekend. Up until now, the majority of the storms have either missed us outright, or delivered Montreal a messy mix of rain, with little snow. Anything over 11cm will result in the biggest snowfall, since last February.

Skies are clear on this New Year's Eve and winds have become light this evening. As a result, temperatures have dropped quicker than expected, Montreal is currently -4C (25F). The overnight low will be around -8C (17F). On New Year's Day, expect increasing clouds as low pressure and a strong warm front lift northeast from the midwestern US. High temperatures will be mild, up to -2C (29F). Any precipitation should hold off until after dark.

Snow will overspread Ontario during the afternoon hours, arriving in Montreal after 8pm. The snow could be heavy at times overnight into early Saturday morning. There is also a risk of some sleet or freezing rain mixing in, especially south of the St. Lawrence Valley. At this time, a general 10 to 20cm of snow is expected in Montreal. Winds will be gusty out of the northeast from 20-40km/h. 

Travel will be difficult across the region. The storm in question is delivering a swath of snow and freezing rain from Texas to New England. Widespread weather warnings are in effect including winter weather advisories for neigbouring northern New York and Vermont. I expect weather warnings will be issued for a portion of our region on Friday. Skies will clear out on Sunday, but another storm system is forecast for early next week. This storm however may remain south of our forecast region.