Quebec Braces for Polar Vortex: Weekend Temperatures May Plummet by 20 to 30 Degrees

Quebec is preparing for its first significant cold wave in two years, driven by a polar vortex. A sharp temperature drop of 20 to 30 degrees is expected over the weekend, with severe chills impacting most regions, particularly Abitibi. While southern areas may experience temperatures below -20 degrees, eastern regions will see milder conditions. The cold snap will persist into the early week, contrasting with the extreme cold anticipated in parts of the U.S., particularly in states unaccustomed to such frigid temperatures.

Quebec Braces for Its First Significant Cold Wave

Quebec is set to face its first authentic cold wave in two years, prompted by a polar vortex sweeping across the continent. Residents can expect a dramatic temperature decline, with drops ranging from 20 to 30 degrees over the weekend, depending on the area.

This Saturday, a weather system will introduce light snow and milder temperatures. However, by Sunday, the province will start to feel the chill from a polar vortex—a massive influx of frigid air from the Arctic that will impact nearly the entire continent.

André Monette, chief meteorologist at MétéoMédia, explains, “The temperature drop will be quite swift, but the most severe changes will occur on Monday and Tuesday, with readings we haven’t experienced in almost two years in Quebec.”

A graphic shared by the specialized weather channel indicates a significant “thermal shock” between the maximum temperatures around freezing on Saturday and the anticipated minimums overnight from Sunday to Monday.

Temperature Swings Across Regions

The thermometer could plunge by about thirty degrees in 24 to 36 hours in the hardest-hit areas like Abitibi. In comparison, the central and southern parts of the province, including Montreal and Quebec City, may see a drop of about 20 degrees.

While the west and south of Quebec will experience the most severe cold, eastern regions such as Gaspésie will feel milder temperatures. “The cold will be widespread, but its intensity will vary,” he notes.

This biting cold is expected to persist into the beginning of the week, with only slight temperature increases on Monday. “The cold snap will last about three days—Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday—before we see a return to more typical winter temperatures on Wednesday,” the meteorologist predicts.

Interestingly, this marks Quebec’s first cold wave of the winter and the first in nearly two years, as last winter saw no significant cold events. However, Mr. Monette refrains from labeling it as “extreme cold,” as no records are anticipated to be broken and Quebec is not in the storm’s direct path.

Impact on the United States

The situation will be markedly different in certain U.S. states, which are expected to experience the full force of this polar vortex. Some regions in America could face their coldest temperatures in a decade.

Mr. Monette highlights that, “States like Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia are unaccustomed to such extreme cold. They will find themselves within the coldest axis, encountering temperatures they rarely see.”

While the frigid air might extend as far south as northern Mexico, the western parts of the continent are expected to be less affected, creating a scenario where it could be colder in Montreal than in Yukon at times.

Polar vortex occurrences are not uncommon in Quebec, being a typical winter phenomenon for the region, according to Mr. Monette.

Weather Forecast for Quebec City

  • Saturday: Generally cloudy with snow showers. Day: 1°, Night: -4°
  • Sunday: Variable sky. Day: -4°, Night: -20°
  • Monday: Cloudy. Day: -19°, Night: -27°
  • Tuesday: Variable sky. Day: -23°, Night: -26°

*Source: MétéoMédia*

Related Articles