Despite hopes raised by Groundhog Day, winter continues to hold strong in the region. Montreal experienced its coldest January in four years, with temperatures remaining below freezing for over half the month. Meteorologists anticipate that February will follow suit with persistent cold temperatures.
Meteorologist Peter Kimbell stated, “February is kicking off with cold temperatures, and we can expect a continued supply of chilly air in the coming days.”
Today, the forecast includes sunny skies but bitterly cold weather, with a high of -6 degrees Celsius and wind chills dropping to -27 degrees Celsius in the morning. Tonight, temperatures are expected to plummet to -11 degrees Celsius. Tomorrow, clouds will increase, and light snow is predicted in the afternoon with a high near -5 degrees Celsius. Flurries may persist into the night.
Kimbell added, “Much of this week will see daytime highs around -5 degrees Celsius, which is notably cold for this time of year.”
Wednesday and Thursday will bring a mix of sun and cloud, with temperatures ranging from -5 to -8 degrees Celsius, and overnight flurries are possible. Snowfall is expected to become more widespread on Friday, followed by clearing skies and a sharp temperature drop to -21 degrees Celsius Friday night.
Kimbell warned, “A significant cold front is anticipated for the upcoming weekend, with daytime highs nearing -15 degrees Celsius, especially on Saturday.”
The weekend will remain chilly but sunny, with sunshine anticipated on Saturday and Sunday. However, overnight lows are expected to dip into the low -20s degrees Celsius.
Looking ahead, Kimbell noted that the overall trend indicates continued cold temperatures.
“Next week is also likely to be cold, and while temperatures may gradually rise as February progresses, they are expected to remain near or below average, particularly over the weekend,” he explained.
Concerning the rest of the month, the possibility of sustained warmth remains uncertain.
“Although seasonal forecasts suggest temperatures could eventually reach near or slightly above average levels, it’s still too early to predict with certainty, especially considering the current cold weather pattern,” Kimbell emphasized.
Despite Quebec groundhog Fred la Marmotte predicting an early spring by not seeing his shadow on Monday morning, forecasters caution that winter’s hold remains firm for the time being.
