Montreal Faces Earliest Harsh Cold Since 2008
Montreal is grappling with its earliest harsh cold since 2008. On Tuesday, December 9, temperatures plummeted to a chilling -20.3°C at the Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) shortly before 5 AM.
Record-Breaking Cold Snap
This significant drop marks the first occasion in over 15 years that temperatures have dipped below -20°C so early in the season. Typically, Montrealers can expect such frigid conditions around the holidays, specifically around December 26.
Wider Regional Impact
Montreal isn’t alone in this early cold snap. Other regions in Quebec also faced similar conditions:
- Gatineau
- Sherbrooke
- Sept-Îles
- Saguenay
- Quebec City
These areas have also reported their first temperatures hitting -20°C well ahead of the average date.
Understanding the Causes
This unusual weather pattern has been attributed to a polar vortex, which has brought significant cold air from the Arctic. Meteorologist Nicolas Lessard provided insights into this remarkable weather event.
As Montreal experiences this record cold, residents are reminded to take precautions to stay warm and safe. The onset of winter has certainly come with a formidable chill this year.
