A powerful winter storm is expected to bring a hazardous combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and plummeting temperatures to much of Quebec beginning Friday. The system will first impact northwestern regions before moving eastward, with conditions deteriorating rapidly and posing challenges for travelers.Residents are urged to monitor forecasts and prepare for difficult travel conditions, particularly on major routes like Highways 15 and 117, as well as in Montreal and the Eastern Townships.
Published February 5, 2026 at 9:11 PM
A powerful cold front is set to sweep across the province, bringing a dangerous combination of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and a rapid drop in temperatures.
In Brief:
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Wind gusts are possible as early as Friday afternoon in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, spreading later to Outaouais and the Hautes-Laurentides;
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Difficult driving conditions are expected on major routes such as Highway 15 and Route 117 heading north;
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Southern Quebec, including Montreal and the Eastern Townships, will be affected later, from Friday night into Saturday morning.
Northwestern Quebec to See First Impacts
The storm will begin impacting areas Friday afternoon in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Strong snow squalls are anticipated between noon and 2 p.m. in Rouyn-Noranda, and between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Val-d’Or, potentially reducing visibility on roadways.
Wind gusts could reach over 39 mph, lifting the fresh snow and creating hazardous conditions. Temperatures, already below freezing, are expected to plummet roughly 10 degrees Fahrenheit in a few hours. This rapid cooling is a key factor in the potential for blowing snow.
The system will then progress east and south. By evening, the Outaouais and Hautes-Laurentides will be under increased watch. Drivers traveling on Highway 15 and Route 117 north this weekend should exercise caution, as road conditions could deteriorate quickly.
Montreal and Eastern Townships: Overnight and Morning Impacts
The greater Montreal area will see the worst of the storm later. Snow squalls are possible Friday night into Saturday morning, and the Eastern Townships will likely see snow persist until early Saturday afternoon.
Total snowfall accumulations are generally expected to be between 2 and 4 inches. Once the system passes, frigid air will settle in for the remainder of the weekend.
With collaboration from Bertin Ossonon, meteorologist.
