Published February 16, 2024 at 4:27 p.m.
Updated February 16, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
That's it, Quebec has just finished winter in its heart. This means that winter is already coming to an end. Explanations.
The beginning of the decline
The heart of winter is already behind us. It starts around January 6th and ends around February 14th. It is the coldest time of the year in Quebec. On February 15, Quebec entered a new phase, that of the decline of winter. In concrete terms, this means that temperatures will generally follow an upward trend until spring. This does not rule out cold snaps or even storms in March or even April. However, the critical phase is over, especially with regard to temperatures.
Unnoticed heart
If you almost missed the depths of winter this year, you're not wrong. The usual time when winter was supposed to reach its peak was rather poor in severe cold. Overall, mercury levels were well above normal. In short, this season didn't have much in common with a normal winter. The lack of snow on the ground in several areas did not help in feeling the effects of the coldest season.
It's going back
This winter the temperatures were unusually mild. They will gradually increase in the coming weeks, even if we won't necessarily feel the effects in the short term. In January, Montreal and Gatineau did not even reach at least -20 degrees, which is an exceptional situation. From February 15, the cold will gradually ease. Daily highs will move ever closer to freezing. Despite everything, this time can be particularly snowy. Typically, Montreal receives 70% of the largest broadsides during this period.
In collaboration with Kevin Cloutier, meteorologist.