The mercury could drop to -20 degrees Celsius for the first time this season Tuesday morning in Montreal, while the sun will be out. A few flakes towards the end of the week will then add a little touch of white.
The week will take place in two stages weather-wise, explains Félix Biron, meteorologist for Environment Canada.
After a windy and snowy Sunday, the sun will be out in much of the south and west of the province during the first part of the week. At the same time, winter temperatures will continue.
In Montreal, the mercury could drop to -20 degrees Celsius early Tuesday morning. A first for the season, because the coldest temperature recorded in the metropolis this year was -17 degrees Celsius, underlines the meteorologist.
From Wednesday, a low pressure system coming from the west is expected to bring up to ten centimeters of snow. However, it is not yet certain that the metropolis will be affected by this small broadside. Temperatures will rise above seasonal norms, while clouds will appear.
A snowy and windy Sunday
Part of the Outaouais and the Laurentians were under a snow squall watch on Sunday due to gusts mixed with precipitation. At the end of the day, Gatineau had accumulated 13 centimeters of snow and Mont-Tremblant, 8 centimeters. Towards the east, Trois-Rivières received 9 centimeters. In Montreal, 6 centimeters of snow were recorded at the airport, according to Mr. Biron. Gusts of up to 60 km/h were also observed.
These winter conditions reduced visibility on certain roads in the province on Sunday, according to the interactive map from the Ministry of Transport. At the end of the day, the Sûreté du Québec did not report any major collisions on the roads, despite more difficult winter conditions for motorists.
Rideau Canal skating rink reopens
In Ottawa, temperatures closer to normal also allowed the reopening of part of the iconic Rideau Canal skating rink for the second time this winter. Skaters and walkers were able to enjoy the ice for part of the day, before closing again at 6 p.m. for maintenance.
The Rideau Canal skating rink was closed due to warm temperatures just four days after it opened on January 24.
For the first time in its history, the ice rink remained closed throughout last winter.