Put your tuques back on: a spring storm – where snow will be mixed with rain in places – is hitting Quebec on Saturday evening. Between 15 and 25 centimeters of snow are expected in several regions, particularly north of the St. Lawrence River.
Snow warnings are in effect for several regions of Quebec, including the capital, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Beauce, Charlevoix, Estrie, Laurentides, Lanaudière and Mauricie. Between 15 and 25 centimeters of snow should fall in these areas, from Saturday to Sunday at the end of the day.
In places, the precipitation will be mixed with rain, warns Marie-Lou Payette, meteorologist for Environment Canada.
In Montreal, heavy snow began to fall late Saturday afternoon. Due to temperatures above the freezing point, the accumulation should be less, points out Mme Payette. The snow should also turn to rain in the metropolis during the night from Saturday to Sunday.
Lightning was recorded in several places around Montreal on Saturday afternoon, in Châteauguay, Île Perrot and on the South Shore of Montreal. The contrasts between warm temperatures on the ground and cold temperatures aloft created the instability conducive to lightning, Ms.me Payette.
The sometimes intense precipitation could reduce visibility on the roads. However, the winds should remain neutral, avoiding blowing snow for motorists, adds the meteorologist.
Precipitation will decrease in intensity as the system moves towards the east of the province. In Gaspé, for example, between 2 and 4 centimeters of snow only are forecast by the federal authorities.