Bitter cold and snow mark the week ahead in Montreal
Posted February 2, 2026 9:21 am.
Winter continues to dominate the forecast across the region, even as Groundhog Day offered a hint of hope. January was the coldest in four years in Montreal, with below-freezing temperatures lasting more than half the month, and meteorologists say February is starting much the same way.
“February is starting on the cold side, and a persistent supply of cold air is likely in the near term,” said Peter Kimbell, a meteorologist.
Sunny but bitterly cold conditions mark today, with a high of minus–6 celsius and wind chills reaching minus–27 C this morning. Temperatures dip to minus–11 C tonight. Clouds increase on Tuesday, with light snow developing in the afternoon and a high near minus–5 C. Flurries remain possible through Tuesday night.
“A lot of this week will hover around minus–5 C for daytime highs, which is seasonally cold,” said Kimbell.
A mix of sun and cloud continues through Wednesday, and Thursday, with highs between minus–5 C and minus–8 C, while flurries remain a possibility overnight. Snow becomes more widespread on Friday, followed by clearing skies and a sharp temperature drop to minus–21 C Friday night.
“A more significant cold outbreak is expected heading into next weekend, with daytime highs closer to minus–15 C, especially by Saturday,” said Kimbell.
The weekend remains frigid but bright, with sunshine expected on Saturday, and Sunday though overnight lows fall into the low minus–20s C.
Looking beyond the weekend, Kimbell said the broader pattern remains chilly.
“Next week also looks cold, and while temperatures do gradually increase through February, as they typically do, they’re expected to stay near to below average, particularly this weekend,” he said.
As for the rest of the month, any sustained warmth remains uncertain.
“Seasonal forecasts suggest temperatures could end up near or slightly above average overall, but it’s still too early to say with confidence, especially given the current cold pattern,” said Kimbell.
Meanwhile, Quebec groundhog Fred la Marmotte may have predicted an early spring after failing to see his shadow Monday morning, but forecasters say winter still has a firm grip, at least for now.
