Storm's snowy punch could bring dangerous travel across Quebec

Another storm is brewing, one that will power through southern Ontario on Wednesday and then impact Quebec on its way to Atlantic Canada for the end of the week.

Snowfall warnings, winter storm watches and special weather statements are in effect across Quebec, warning of strong winds and heavy snow, which could make travel difficult with poor visibilities in blowing snow.

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Prior to the Texas low entering Canada, some of the coldest air so far this season descends on southern Quebec, with the Montreal forecast reading a daytime high of -8°C.

This colder air in place increases confidence in the forthcoming system becoming an all-snow event, unlike previous storms that have featured a messy mix of rain and snow.

In the Eastern Townships, the snow may change to rain Thursday morning with a risk of freezing rain during the switch.

A widespread swath of 15 to locally 25 cm of snow is forecast across the St. Laurence communities, including Montreal and Quebec City, stretching through the Eastern Townships.

Snowfall rates for Montreal will be highest through pre-dawn hours on Thursday, with 1-3 cm per hour possible. The snow combined with gusty winds could make for near whiteout conditions at times.

The hazardous winter weather will improve into the late week.

Temperatures will be colder than seasonal Friday in southern Quebec. A brief warm-up, gusty winds and snow-showers as a clipper tracks north of the province Friday overnight and early Saturday. Temperatures briefly rise above the freezing mark ahead of the cold front, then turn colder.

A very wintry week is expected for the final days of January. The region will be the battleground between frigid weather to the west versus mild weather to the south and east. However, late next week and weekend, Arctic air could totally overwhelm the pattern and temporarily shift the storm track well south of the border.

Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for Quebec.