The arrival of a low pressure system from the United States will bring freezing rain and snow over much of the province. Smog advisories have also been issued for most regions of Quebec.
Several regions of Quebec will be entitled to snow, after a short transition of rain for the south of the province, overnight from Saturday to Sunday, MétéoMédia said on Saturday.
Freezing rain could join the weather cocktail, mainly in the Sherbrooke region.
A winter road conditions advisory has been issued for the Gatineau region for the evening of Saturday and the day of Sunday. Environment Canada predicts a total accumulation of 4 to 8 cm during this time.
“Travel could be dangerous tonight, tonight and Sunday morning, because unmaintained surfaces should be covered with snow and become icy,” can we read on the website of the federal agency.
Smog warning
Environment Canada also published smog advisories for most regions of Quebec on Saturday.
“High concentrations of pollutants are expected and will lead to poor air quality,” the agency said.
The regions affected by smog warnings are Beauce, Drummondville, Gatineau, Lachute, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Montmagny, Greater Montreal, Quebec, the Richelieu Valley, Saint-Hyacinthe and Vaudreuil.
Environment Canada is asking residents of Montreal to stop using their wood-burning stove or fireplace until the warning is lifted.
Extreme cold
Elsewhere in the country, extreme cold warnings are in effect. This is particularly the case for northern Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, where the wind chill will wait until minus 50.
The very cold temperatures pose a high health hazard, Environment Canada said. “Frostbite can develop within minutes on skin exposed to wind chill,” the agency said.