Unseasonably Warm Weather to Greet New Year in Montreal and Quebec
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After a weekend of freezing rain, Montreal and Quebec City are poised to experiance record-breaking temperatures as 2025 begins, a dramatic shift from the typical winter chill.
“The snow cover risks taking a big hit with this rain and the very mild temperatures,” summarizes Kevin Cloutier, meteorologist at MétéoMédia.
Any icy patches forming over the weekend are expected to be short-lived, melting away before New year’s Day celebrations.
Forecasters predict daily high temperature records for December 30th could be shattered on Monday. Montreal, which saw a high of 8.6°C in 2022, could reach 10°C. Similarly, Quebec City, which recorded 5.3°C in 2022, is expected to see temperatures climb to 8°C.
However, significant rainfall is also in the forecast for the period.
Freezing Rain Threatens Weekend Travel
Before the unseasonable warmth arrives,freezing rain will make travel treacherous on roads and sidewalks Saturday and sunday. Habitat Canada forecasts a maximum of 5 mm of ice accumulation in some areas, though lower amounts are predicted elsewhere. An alert was issued Friday.
The northwest of the province, including the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, will be affected first, followed by the Outaouais, Montreal, Laurentians, and Lanaudière regions.In Montreal, freezing rain is expected to begin in the afternoon and continue until Sunday afternoon. The national capital region will experience the freezing rain later Saturday evening.
“The risk of rain, but also especially of freezing drizzle, remains present until Sunday morning for Montreal and Quebec,” predicts Cloutier. “The accumulations of ice are not expected to be very large, but it is still more than enough for the roads to become slippery,” he adds.
Record-breaking Temperatures Expected on December 30th
Here’s a comparison of expected highs with previous records:
- Montreal: 2022: 8.6°C; Expected Monday: 10°C
- Quebec City: 2022: 5.3°C; Forecast Monday: 8°C
- Sherbrooke: 2022: 10.2°C; Expected Monday: 12°C
This unusual weather pattern highlights the unpredictable nature of climate change and its potential impact on even traditionally cold winter regions. The significant temperature swing serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events across North America.
Unseasonably Warm Temperatures Forecast for Quebec as New Year Approaches
World Today News Senior Editor, Sarah Thompson, talks to climate scientist dr. Emily Carter about the unusual weather pattern hitting Quebec just as 2025 begins.
Quebec residents can expect a dramatic shift from the typical winter chill as record-breaking temperatures are predicted for December 30th, following a weekend of freezing rain. Meteorologists warn that this unusual warmth accompanied by meaningful rainfall could pose challenges for New Year’s celebrations and highlight the unpredictable nature of climate change in even traditionally cold regions.
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today to discuss this unusual weather pattern impacting Quebec. Can you explain what’s causing these unseasonably warm temperatures?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thanks for having me, Sarah. The main driver behind this warm spell is a shift in the jet stream,a band of wind high in the atmosphere that steers weather systems. this shift has brought in warmer air from the south, pushing out the cold Arctic air that usually dominates Quebec in late December.
Sarah Thompson: We’ve seen reports forecasting record-breaking highs for December 30th. Could you elaborate on these predictions?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. Montreal could reach a high of 10°C, exceeding the 2022 record of 8.6°C, while Quebec City is expected to climb to 8°C, surpassing its 2022 record of 5.3°C.
Sarah Thompson: That’s a significant change. What does this mean for Quebec residents?
Dr. Emily Carter: It means a very different new Year’s Eve than what many might be expecting. While the warm weather might sound appealing, it also means the risk of icy conditions disappears quickly, paving the way for perhaps hazardous driving conditions as the rain falls.
Sarah thompson: Before this warm spell arrives, there are warnings about freezing rain this weekend. What kind of impact can we expect from that?
Dr. Emily Carter: Freezing rain is a serious concern. The combination of rain and below-freezing temperatures can lead to icy surfaces, making roads and sidewalks extremely slippery and perilous. Residents should be cautious and take necessary precautions.
Sarah Thompson: We know climate change is linked to more frequent extreme weather events. Is this unseasonal warmth directly linked to climate change?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s difficult to link any single weather event directly to climate change. Though, this unusual warmth does align with long-term trends of rising global temperatures. We expect to experience more frequent and extreme weather events, including heat waves, as our climate continues to change.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dr. Carter. This information will undoubtedly help our readers understand and prepare for this unusual New Year’s weather.
