First Snowfall of 2026 Targets Southern Quebec
A significant weather event is expected to impact Southern Quebec this weekend, bringing what could be the first substantial snowfall of 2026. A low-pressure system will move down the Saint-Laurent Valley starting Saturday night, with precipitation beginning to fall towards Sunday morning.
Expected Snowfall Accumulation
Forecasts indicate several areas may experience between 10 to 15 centimeters of snow, while some locations could see up to 25 centimeters. Areas most likely to receive the largest accumulations include:
- Quebec
- The Saguenay region
- Laurentians Provincial Wildlife Reserve
This reserve is known for its unpredictable weather and varied terrain, which could contribute to higher snow totals.
Precipitation Details
While parts of Eastern Quebec have dealt with recent rain, the return of cold weather will help rejuvenate the snow cover. Meteorologist Nicolas Lessard noted that this impending snowfall could represent the most significant snow event for many regions in recent weeks. He explained that snowfalls of 15 centimeters or more for a single event are often referred to as a “bordée.” The last significant snowfall in Southern Quebec occurred from December 9 to December 11.
Regional Variations in Snow Accumulation
Forecasted conditions vary widely across the province:
- Grand Montreal, Outaouais, Laurentians, and Lanaudière: Anticipated snowfall of 10 to 15 centimeters, possibly more in mountainous regions.
- Montérégie and areas near the U.S. border: Expect lighter accumulations of around 5 centimeters due to wetter, melting snow.
Temperature Impacts
Temperatures hovering around freezing make it challenging to predict exact snowfall amounts. In the southern regions, heavier and wetter snow could lead to lesser accumulations. Lessard emphasized that a minor temperature shift could have a significant influence on expected totals.
This weekend’s weather is critical for communities across Southern Quebec as they prepare for the first notable snowfall of 2026.
