The rain that fell over a large part of Quebec on Sunday will continue until Monday, when it should turn into snow. A broadside resembling a winter storm in certain regions, warns Environment Canada.
In the evening on Sunday, the precipitation balance is 10 to 15 millimeters of rain falling in Quebec since last night, indicated Dominique Martel, meteorologist for Environment Canada.
However, the showers are not over and are expected to continue until Monday. Between 15 and 20 millimeters of additional rain are expected across Quebec. In Gaspésie and on the North Shore, 30 to 40 millimeters of additional rain could even accumulate.
Last night, precipitation made the roads icy in several regions of the province, including Quebec, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, the Escoumins region, Baie-Comeau, Manicouagan, the Réserve faunique des Laurentides, Charlevoix, La Tuque, Montmagny, Sept-Îles, Gaspésie Park, Matane and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, according to a meteorological summary from Environment Canada.
The presence of ice forced the closure of several local roads. At the end of the day Sunday, the Obedjiwan road, between Lac-Ahuapmushuan and La Tuque, was still closed due to difficult weather conditions.
From rain to snow
Do these precipitations sound the death knell for a possible white Christmas? Do not despair. As of Monday, rain should turn into snow in a large part of the province, explains Mr. Martel.
By the end of the night, rain will transition to snow for Montreal, Estrie and Centre-du-Québec. The transition should take place during the morning towards the east, including Bas-Saint-Laurent.
“This is a corridor where significant quantities of snow are expected, i.e. 15 centimeters of snow or more,” says Mr. Martel.
However, the quantities of snow should vary: around 5 centimeters for Montreal, between 5 and 10 centimeters for Montérégie and Centre-du-Québec, and 10 centimeters in the Quebec region. Other regions, such as Estrie and Bas-du-Fleuve, could receive up to 20 centimeters of snow.
However, the winds could pick up early in the afternoon, giving this snowfall the appearance of a winter storm in places, warns the meteorologist.
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, THE PRESS
Rain will change to snow on Monday.
“On Monday, temperatures dropping below 0°C and the presence of strong winds could make road conditions difficult. Exercise caution, limit your travel! », also warns the MTQ.
To complicate life, a freezing rain alert is also in effect from Monday evening for the sectors of Amqui, the Matapédia valley, Laurentides Park, Matane and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, adds Mr. Martel.
Warmth and flakes
Bands of snow showers are expected to sweep the province on Tuesday, leaving a few centimeters here and there, indicates Dominique Martel.
Then, during the next weekend, a mild spell is expected in southern Quebec, with a mix of rain and snow.
The meteorologist expects a white Christmas for a large number of regions of Quebec, if not all. However, we will have to see how the next mild spell will affect the snow cover.