Deep freeze set to grip Montreal this weekend, with snow on the way

Two Environment Canada weather alerts are in place for the Greater Montreal area this weekend and into Monday for snow and extreme cold.

First it’s the cold, then it’s the snow.

Two Environment Canada weather alerts are in place for the Greater Montreal area this weekend and into Monday. The first is a warning about extreme cold, while the second is a special weather statement advising of snowfall on the way.

A yellow warning is in place for extreme cold this weekend, and with it comes serious risk.

READ MORE: Watch out for frostbite as extreme cold grips Quebec

While the Greater Montreal area is expected to hold on to sun and clouds from Friday into next week, the mercury could move from a high of -9 C in the day on Friday, to a nighttime low of -26 C.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside,” the Environment Canada warning reads.

Cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill create an elevated risk to health, such as frostbite and hypothermia.

Those in the region may also want to take measures to protect against frostbite, as Friday’s wind chill could reach -37.

For Saturday and Sunday, daytime highs of -21 C and -17 C are expected. Though westerly winds could make it feel like -36 and -30 at night.

Daytime highs and overnight lows typically sit at -6 C and -15 C, respectively, at this time of year.

Freezing cold alerts swept across the country on Friday morning, with some regions expecting wind chill temperatures of -50.

Extreme cold throughout Quebec

Environment Canada has issued cold weather warnings for several areas of Quebec, particularly in the north of the province, where wind chill temperatures could even reach -50.

• READ MORE: Bone-chilling cold warnings sweep the country, forecasting lows near -50 C

Chilly temperatures similar to Montreal are forecast for the Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and Trois-Rivières areas.

Snowfall on the way

Environment Canada also issued a special weather statement Friday afternoon about snow in the forecast.

It is warning that the Lower Laurentians, Greater Montreal, Montérégie and Eastern Townships areas will see 10 to 20 centimetres of snow beginning on Sunday and ending Monday at midday.

Because of the cold, the snow will be very powdery. That means it can easily be carried by winds, resulting in reduced visibility.

“Cold temperatures combined with snow will make surfaces slippery. Allow extra time for your commute on Monday morning during rush hour,” the weather agency warned.

- With files from The Canadian Press