Throwback cold and snowy winter underway in Montreal

Winter has started early in Montreal this year, with below normal temperatures and frequent snowfalls. While accumulations have been light for the most part, the frequency of the snow is keeping roads slick and icy and road crews busy. (Valley Weather Photo)

It has been years since Montreal had below normal temperatures to start December, but that is what we have in 2025. The temperatures on Monday morning was a chilly -18C (0F), this after Friday mornings low of -19C (-2F) on Ile Perrot. To date 8.2cm of snow has fallen at Trudeau Airport, on top of the 28cm that fell in November. The monthly mean for November was 1.1C below normal, the first time in months we have had a below normal average. 

The cold temperatures combined with Sunday's snowfall left roads icy during the Monday morning commute. Once again, there have been a rash of serious accidents across the Montreal region, as drivers fail to respond to the road conditions. Reduce your speed, clean your vehicle off and make certain you have snow tires on, the law since December 1st here in Quebec.

The long-term average high/low for early December in Montreal, is -1C/-9C respectively.  The high in Montreal on Monday will only be -13C (9F), with windchill values in the minus 20s. We will see a slight moderation in temperatures midweek as a series of clipper systems moves from western Canada across the Great Lakes and just south of Montreal.

Two Alberta Clippers over the weekend managed to accumulate 5-10cm of snow across most parts of southern Quebec. More clipper type systems are expected this week, along with continued cold temperatures. (Valley Weather Photo)

The first in the series of low pressure systems will arrive late Tuesday, with a few light snow showers possible for southern Quebec. A stronger system arrives on Wednesday, with a period of steadier snow, perhaps 5-10cm, followed by another surge of cold air. The high on Tuesday and Wednesday will be between -1C and -3C (27F to 30F), before dropping back into the -10C range by Friday.

More snow is possible to end the week as yet another area of low pressure approaches from the Great Lakes. The good news so far is that most of these storm systems are expected to be on the weaker side.

One thing is certain, expect below normal temperatures to persist through the holidays.