Published on January 8, 2024 at 12:12 am.
This would be the first true winter storm of the year. Some areas could see up to 30cm of snow and a mix of precipitation is on the radar. Details.
A disturbed midweek
The strong system will move into the province late afternoon or even early evening Tuesday.
It is full of moisture because it originates in the Gulf of Mexico. This would be a winter storm and not a simple broadside: the expected amounts of snow, the precipitation mix and the wind strength allow such a qualification.
Two-step process
Initially the precipitation will fall on Tuesday evening in the form of snow, sometimes heavy.
The flakes become large and sticky. As the system progresses, temperatures will rise and precipitation will transition to rain in the south overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. During the transition between snow and rain, attention should be paid to the risk of sleet and ice.
On Wednesday morning it will therefore rain in the south and center. The northern and eastern parts of the province will see snow as temperatures remain below freezing.
A lot of snow
Most regions of Quebec receive at least 10 centimeters; about thirty for the lucky ones. Between 10 and 20 cm of snow should fall in the metropolitan area of Beauce, Outaouais and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. Between 15 and 25 cm is expected for the National Capital and Bas-Saint-Laurent region. The worst damage will be in the Laurentians and the Lower North Shore, where it could accumulate up to 30cm by Thursday morning.