We will have to grit our teeth during a long sequence in Quebec

Heart of Winter

The heart of winter in Quebec corresponds to the coldest stretch of the year. Here we are, since this period begins on January 6 and ends around Valentine’s Day, February 14. These five weeks are the coldest of the year on average. Note, however, that Montreal has not recorded a minimum below the threshold of -20°C since February 2023. This year, the coldest temperature observed is -17.8°C, on December 26.

Grit your teeth

You have certainly felt how unpleasant the cold is these days. What we call penetrating cold is particularly difficult to bear with the presence of humidity and wind. The next two weeks are looking pretty similar in terms of cold temperatures. In fact, the typical warm periods of January do not seem to appear this year. Note, however, that the east of the province is currently under the influence of a return of mild weather. On January 8, the thermometer indicated -11.2°C in Montreal and 3.9°C in Sept-Îles. Regardless, a return close to seasonal norms is anticipated over the coming days in Quebec, but the penetrating cold has not said its last word.

Strong comeback

Next week, the Arctic air mass is expected to make a comeback. While strong winds at altitude would force atmospheric circulation south of the border, Quebec would find itself engulfed in the cold with temperatures below normal.

Penetrating cold

With maximums hovering around the -10°C threshold and minimums slightly lower, meteorologists believe it is penetrating cold. The presence of clouds and humidity prevents the mercury from plunging below -20°C in southern Quebec. According to the models, such a sequence would be anticipated around mid-January. At present, the future remains uncertain: a period of mild weather has not been ruled out, but neither can a severe cold snap.

With the collaboration of Bertin Ossonon, meteorologist.