The major storm expected Tuesday and Wednesday in several regions of Quebec will launch “the heart of winter” with accumulations that could reach more than 30 centimeters in places.
The ground in Quebec, which is still little snow-covered, could become significantly covered this Tuesday and Wednesday, while the first real winter storm will hit several regions.
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“This storm will kick off the heart of winter,” says Jean-Philippe Bégin, meteorologist for Environment Canada (EC), from the outset, referring to this period when the coldest temperatures are generally recorded.
“Tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon, there will already be the first precipitation in southwestern Quebec, starting with the Outaouais and it will gradually go east to the Montreal region and to Quebec City later in the evening », specifies the meteorologist.
The snow is expected to turn into sleet and freezing rain in Montreal and surrounding areas, and this cocktail could also spill into the Quebec region.
On the South Shore and in Montérégie, this rain should arrive very early Wednesday morning and later on the North Shore sectors. The areas between Mirabel and Mauricie are expected to receive the most freezing rain and where vigilance will be required, particularly due to the weight on branches and electrical wires.
Wind gusts
Strong winds, even almost violent in places, are expected, particularly in areas more exposed to northeast winds, near Quebec and Charlevoix up to the Lower North Shore.
“We expect gusts of up to 60 km/h,” adds Mr. Bégin, specifying that episodes of blowing snow could make road conditions difficult.
EC plans to “monitor the breaking of waves” on the eastern coasts. “There is very little ice formed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence […] and the strong winds that are coming will very probably break this ice [qui normalement] protects the banks.”
Strong winds will be felt in Montreal as well, but gusts like those that could occur further north are not expected.
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Precipitation in several forms
The meteorologist indicates that these forecasts for snow accumulations remain uncertain, while the expected precipitation should fall in several forms.
“So it just gives an idea,” warns Mr. Bégin. We are in the range of 20 to 30 cm of snow for Quebec. There will also be mixes of sleet and freezing rain. For accumulations of more than 30 centimeters, it will be further north of Quebec.
In terms of temperatures, they will rise above zero, for all regions of Quebec, Wednesday afternoon. This rise in mercury “is not unheard of, even if we are above normal,” said the meteorologist.
Furthermore, the meteorologist indicates that another storm is on the horizon for the coming weekend, also in several regions of Quebec.
– With the collaboration of the QMI Agency