Published on January 3, 2024 at 4:14 p.m
The polar vortex will make a comeback, and that is likely to have significant consequences. Large systems threaten to impact Quebec. However, there is bad news, especially if you dream of only seeing snow again: it is possible that rain will come into play. Explanations.
Vortex is scheduled for January 11th
Starting next week, around January 11 to be precise, the polar vortex will revive winter in Quebec. The main features of winter, snow and cold, have been muted since the start of the season. But the polar vortex that will hit the Canadian prairies and the United States will make a comeback and should change the situation. For Quebec, this event could encourage the adoption of multiple systems.
Cold for the prairies
Main consequence of the arrival of this very cold air mass from the pole? Severe cold snaps. And it starts with temperatures ten degrees below normal for the Canadian prairies and our neighbors south of the border. While it will shiver in Edmonton and Winnipeg, there will be significantly milder temperatures in Quebec. We expect the mercury temperature to be 2 to 6 degrees above normal for the province.
Real storms expected
Very cold temperatures for the middle of the country and mild temperatures here. The polar vortex will increase the temperature contrast, thereby intensifying the systems impacting the province. The path of the low pressure areas will be more active, as will the weather. We can therefore expect the risk of “real storms” with more snow and more rain from next week.
But what exactly is the polar vortex? We explain it to you here.
In collaboration with Patrick Duplessis, meteorologist.