Published December 30, 2023 at 11:57 p.m.
Updated December 31, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
Two atmospheric contexts, two scenarios. A promising turnaround could occur in mid-January. Explanations
Duality of contexts
Mild weather prevailed in December and will continue into the first half of January. The imposing systems will be discrete in the first third of the month and the warm spells will cause any modest accumulations that formed during the unrest to melt.
Remember that December 25 last year marked a green Christmas for most regions of Quebec, the first ever since data collection began for Saguenay. Let's say the rainstorm that hit Quebec on December 18th had a lot to do with it.
However, if winter lovers have been biting their finger since the beginning of the season, the tide could turn in their favor in the second half of January.
An atmospheric environment conducive to solid precipitation will develop over the province, coupled with the influx of cold air. The hope for a snowy winter therefore remains.
From green to white
The green carpet that covers many regions of the province will not fill in the first week of January: a major system is currently not in sight. However, in the second half of the month there will be a change in the development of the systems.
This course will intensify particularly along the American east coast as far as Quebec. The colder temperatures as well as this change in trajectory therefore present the possibility of permanent snow accumulation.