Published on December 31, 2024 at 11:07 p.m.
On Wednesday, thousands of Quebecers will hit the road for New Year’s celebrations across the province. However, a large-scale system could give you a hard time. Forecasts.
An imposing system will enter the province through the southern gates during the morning of Wednesday. However, this is not a storm like any other: in southern Quebec, the mercury is expected to hover around the freezing point, or even slightly above, during the afternoon. The nature of precipitation will therefore be subject to change and road conditions could be difficult at times.
A question of mercury
Thus, the morning should take place under the rain in southern Quebec. However, this precipitation will change to snow, after a period of transition in the form of mixture which could last several hours. As for the Capitale-Nationale region, a mixed episode could occur early in the afternoon before the snow takes over. This should continue during the day on Thursday given the sub-zero temperatures.
The regions further north should essentially only receive snow, particularly in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean and Abitibi. As for eastern areas of the province, temperatures should hover around the freezing point on Thursday and cause a mix of precipitation.
Good to know: it is difficult to predict total snow accumulations in southern Quebec due to the mercury which could be slightly above freezing on Wednesday. However, if the snowfall proves to be intense, the flakes could pull the mass of cold air downward and thus contribute to greater accumulations.
The winds will also be there: on Wednesday evening, gusts could reach up to 50 km/h in places, particularly in the Capitale-Nationale, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions. and the North Shore. Thursday morning, winds are expected to pick up in Estrie and could blow up to 30 km/h, causing a risk of blowing snow lasting until the evening.
Compromised travel
Those who will have to travel in the New Year will have their work cut out for them: road conditions could be particularly difficult on many roads in Quebec, notably those of the 155, the 175 and the 170. Keep your distance and plan your trips.
Remember that the system could deposit up to 30 cm during its passage from Wednesday to Thursday. The region of Capitale-Nationale, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Chaudière-Appalaches and Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean would be among the most spoiled.
