Freezing Rain Expected for Greater Montreal Area, Commute Disrupted
A brief period of freezing rain is forecast to impact the Greater Montreal area overnight, potentially creating hazardous travel conditions during the Thursday morning commute. Residents are urged to exercise caution and allow extra time for their journeys.
Weather Forecast Details
According to officials at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), a warm front moving into the region will initially bring light snow this evening. This will transition to freezing rain overnight and into early Thursday morning. Ice accretion of up to two millimetres is possible, leading to slippery surfaces on untreated roads, sidewalks and overpasses. Environment and Climate Change Canada provides ongoing weather updates and alerts.
Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing on Thursday morning, changing the precipitation to rain and mitigating the risk of further ice accumulation. The forecast high for Thursday is 9 Celsius, with periods of rain continuing throughout the afternoon and evening.
Looking Ahead: Weekend Weather
Conditions will change rapidly following the freezing rain. Friday is predicted to be sunny with a high near zero, followed by a significant temperature drop Friday night to -12 C under clear skies.
The weekend will remain mostly bright but chilly. Saturday will be sunny with a high of -3 C, and Sunday will moderate slightly with a high of 6 C. A mix of rain showers or flurries is expected Sunday night.
Early Next Week
The start of next week will bring unsettled weather, with periods of snow or rain on Monday and a high of 8 C. Monday night will be cloudy with a low of -6 C.
Montreal’s Climate Commitments
The City of Montreal is committed to fighting climate change and becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent between now and 2030. The City of Montreal’s climate plan includes 46 measures focused on transportation, green space development, waste reduction, and energy-efficient buildings.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to seize action, such as choosing active transportation, reducing food waste, planting trees, and improving home insulation. These individual efforts contribute to the collective goal of a sustainable future.
Resources for Climate Information
For historical climate data and information about weather patterns across Canada, visit the Climate – Environment and Climate Change Canada website. This resource provides access to temperature, precipitation, and other climate-related data.
Officials urge residents to stay informed about weather alerts and to prioritize safety during the freezing rain event. Allowing extra travel time on Thursday morning is recommended due to potentially hazardous road conditions.