Published February 17, 2024 at 9:52 p.m.
Updated February 17, 2024 at 10:00 p.m.
A snowfall coming from western Canada brings the risk of snow squalls that could complicate travel on Sunday. Details.
Frontal gusts
Much of Quebec will be at risk of squalls during the day on Sunday. These gusts associated with the system are created by a temperature difference.
The regions to be monitored are Haute-Gatineau, Laurentides, Lanaudière and Haute-Mauricie.
In two times
In the first half of the day on Sunday, the snowflakes will fall rather gently as they are associated with the passage of the warm front. However, things get even worse in the afternoon: the cold front takes over and creates the risk of squalls.
Southwest winds combined with moisture from the Great Lakes will bring persistent bands of snow primarily to areas north of the river. Roughly speaking, between 5 and 10 cm is expected in the second part of the weekend for Haute-Gatineau, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, the Quebec region and Beauce. These showers will last until the evening.
However, keep in mind that squalls act a little like thunderstorms: one region could be hit by heavy snow and the neighboring region could be spared.
Good to know: “The temperature contrast, if it is larger, is the cause of frontal snow squalls in winter in Quebec.” The mild surface air is lifted as the cold front approaches, thus limiting the air masses. Because the surface air is softer and wetter than the surrounding air aloft, it is pushed even further upward. As the air parcel becomes saturated, we see clouds forming and then snow as the rise continues. As the front lifts over a long distance, a line of snow showers will form along the entire front. This band of persistent snow, driven by strong winds and temporarily reducing visibility to zero, is called a snow squall,” explains Bertin Ossonon, meteorologist.
Difficult road conditions
There is no warning for any region at this time. However, the risk of squalls is very high and motorists could suffer the consequences on Sunday. Gusts will reach speeds of up to 50 km/h in Outaouais and around 40 km/h in Montreal and Estrie, which may lead to blowing snow.