New Year Celebrations Face Extreme Cold with Temperatures Dropping to -25°C

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New Year Celebrations Face Extreme Cold with Temperatures Dropping to -25°C

As the year 2026 begins, Quebec is bracing for an exceptionally cold New Year’s celebration. Forecasts indicate that temperatures could plummet to -25°C in various regions.

Severe Cold Expected Across Quebec

The harsh weather conditions will impact celebrations throughout the province. In Quebec City, thermometers are predicted to drop to -19°C on New Year’s Eve, while they may reach a chilling -25°C later in the evening. Montreal is also facing severe cold, with wind gusts up to 40 km/h making it feel like -20°C on December 31. By January 1, temperatures in the metropolis could dip to -21°C.

Weather Forecast Details

Despite the severe temperatures, meteorologist Serge Besner from Environment and Climate Change Canada highlighted that wind conditions would be significantly more manageable. Most areas from Trois-Rivières to Sherbrooke and Gatineau are expected to experience similar low temperatures during the festivities.

Quebec City: -19°C on New Year’s Eve, potentially dropping to -25°C later.
Montreal: Wind chill makes it feel like -20°C; temperatures could reach -21°C by January 1.
General Conditions: Lighter winds expected across the province.

No Major Snowstorm Anticipated

Fortunately, Environment Canada has assured residents that no significant snowfalls are expected to disrupt the celebrations in southern Quebec. A few flurries may fall as the holiday period concludes, providing favorable conditions for winter sports.

However, a winter storm warning was issued for northern regions of Quebec, including Baie-Comeau, Matane, Val-d’Or, and Chibougamau, where up to 25 cm of snow is anticipated in areas such as Sept-Îles and Port-Cartier. This could lead to difficult travel conditions, with visibility potentially dropping to almost zero at times, and road closures are possible.