Québec Weather Alert: A Winter Cocktail of Snow, Rain, and Freezing Rain (Pluie Verglaçante) is Coming
Quebecers, prepare for a diverse and potentially hazardous week of winter weather! Mother Nature is set to deliver a full menu of precipitation, from fluffy snow to slippery freezing rain (pluie verglaçante). This system will impact nearly all regions of the province, so staying informed is crucial.
Forecast Overview
Thursday will mark the arrival of this significant weather system. Here’s a regional breakdown:
- Thursday Morning: Snowfall is expected across Abitibi, the Laurentians, and regions north of Quebec City.
- Later Thursday: A transition to mixed precipitation – snow, rain, and a risk of pluie verglaçante – will occur, varying by location.
- Bas-Saint-Laurent: Could see up to 20 cm of snow.
- Southern Quebec: Expect more rain than snow.
- Saint Lawrence Valley: A significant risk of freezing rain (pluie verglaçante) is present.
Where is Freezing Rain (Pluie Verglaçante) Expected?
The Saint Lawrence Valley is particularly vulnerable to pluie verglaçante, especially in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. A cold north-easterly wind (the “Nordet”) could exacerbate the situation, causing freezing rain from Rimouski south to the Montreal area. The Bas-Saint-Laurent is at the highest risk of significant ice accumulation, potentially leading to hazardous road conditions.
Regional Snowfall Predictions
- Laurentians: 5 to 10 cm of snow.
- Montreal: A mix of snow, rain, and pluie verglaçante. Any ice accumulation is not expected to linger as temperatures will rise.
- Hautes-Laurentides, Saguenay, Côte-Nord, and Gaspésie: Primarily snowfall.
- Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, and Beauce: 5 to 10 cm of snow.
- Southern Quebec: Minimal snowfall (around 5 cm), with 10 to 20 mm of rain expected.
Looking Ahead: A Cold Snap
While the rain will dominate southern Quebec later Thursday, a significant temperature drop is forecast for Friday night into Saturday. Temperatures are expected to fall below -10°C, potentially creating icy conditions overnight and into Friday. This could turn any remaining moisture into black ice, posing further risks.
Stay informed: For the most up-to-date forecasts and warnings, consult reliable sources like MétéoMédia and Environment Canada.
With collaboration from Nicolas Lessard, meteorologist.
Source: The most trusted weather information source for Quebecers and Canadians* *According to the 2026 BrandSparkMD Canadian Trust Study and the 2025 Pollara media trust study.
