Freezing rain, snow and arctic cold forecast in Montreal during the holidays

A Christmas day snowstorm is possible for many parts of Eastern Canada and New England. (AccuWeather.com)

Freezing Rain Warning in effect for southern Quebec.

Low pressure will move from the Ohio Valley across New England today. Snow mixed with freezing rain will start shortly in Montreal, lasting until at least midnight. The freezing rain should only be for a few hours in the Montreal metro region, with perhaps 2 to 5mm. More ice is expected southeast off Montreal where up to 10mm is possible locally. Snow will accumulate 5 to 10cm along the St. Lawrence Valley and points north of the region. Temperatures will rise today to around -5C (23F) in Montreal, and this will likely be the warmest temperature we see for the next two weeks.

Sunday will be the best travel day, with sunshine forecast, light winds, and high temperatures around -6C (21F). On Christmas Day, developing low pressure along the Atlantic Coast, will push snow across New England and into extreme southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. The snow will fall most of the day, with 10 to 15cm possible. Behind the storm, arctic air, the coldest in several years, will pour into southern Quebec. Daytime highs by Wednesday will struggle to reach -18C (0F), with overnight lows between -26 and -30C (-15 to -22F) in many parts of southern Quebec.