The Montreal area is set to face a wintry weekend with heavy snow and freezing temperatures on the horizon, prompting caution for those venturing outside.
Environment And Climate Change Canada has issued a weather alert, predicting a snowfall of 10 to 20 centimetres starting Sunday night and tapering off by midday Monday.
The snow is anticipated to blanket various regions including the Lower Laurentians, Greater Montreal, Montérégie, and the Eastern Townships.
The combination of powdery snow and gusty winds may cause reduced visibility, while the cold snap is likely to create icy roadways and sidewalks, potentially causing delays for commuters on Monday morning.
The agency has underscored the ongoing danger of extreme cold to residents. Wind chill values plunged to minus-35 to minus-38 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning, and temperatures are expected to hover well below freezing over the weekend.
Officials are advising people to layer up with wind-resistant clothing and caution that if it’s too cold for humans to be outdoors, it’s also too cold for pets. Exposure to the cold can heighten the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Saturday is forecasted to be sunny with west winds at 20 km/h. Although temperatures may reach a high of minus-18 degrees Celsius, the wind chill could bring it down to minus-36 degrees Celsius in the morning and minus-26 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. Overnight, skies will clear, and temperatures will plummet to around minus-22 degrees Celsius, with wind chill nearing minus-28 degrees Celsius.
On Sunday, clouds are expected to gather, with light snow starting in the afternoon. Northeast winds strengthening to 20 km/h later in the day will maintain the chilly air, with highs reaching around minus-16 degrees Celsius and wind chill approaching minus-29 degrees Celsius.
Residents are strongly advised to minimize outdoor exposure, bundle up warmly, and take necessary precautions during the anticipated snowfall and frigid conditions.
Keyphrase: Montreal snowstorm forecast
