Published November 13, 2023 at 10:26 p.m.
You should not always trust these signs indicating a harsh winter.
Winter installation
Winter in Quebec often begins with change. Even if the cold season can arrive at the beginning of November and give the final starting signal, this scenario turns out to be rather rare. Therefore, we define misleading signs by winter shocks that surprise the province and then a quieter sequence leads to a sudden regime change. So winter is long overdue.
“We define the start of winter conditions by a combination of factors that often converge,” explains Réjean Ouimet, meteorologist. Temperatures remain permanently or almost permanently below freezing. The snow that falls regularly, the first snowfalls and finally the snow that permanently covers the ground. The scenario plays out from north to south. »
Winter late
Southern Quebec has experienced some delayed winters recently. And when we say late, it is very late. In fact, in those years the cold season only began towards the end of December.
“In the case of Montreal, we have had four delayed arrivals in the cold season since 2010,” explains Réjean Ouimet. The first signs before the official launch can appear early and be misleading. This is the privilege of the month of November. Autumns are often mild and the impressions of cold are rather weakened and isolated. »
Deceptive snow
November snow is very real in Quebec, whether we like it or not. The fact that there are surprise broadsides at the beginning of the season is no guarantee of the start of winter. In a mild autumn, nature returns quickly after a surprising winter shock. These signs prove deceptive on these occasions, but they are also present despite the tendency towards gentleness.
“The famous broadsides, which immerse us in a winter environment, are also on the menu in these years when winter is late,” continues Réjean Ouimet. As a general rule in Quebec, we see 15 cm or more four times in November. During the four years examined, we actually had between three and four flight sites in November. In mild weather these broadsides quickly disappear. The sustainable side is therefore not there.