Smog warning in effect, freezing rain expected in Montreal this weekend: Environment Canada
Posted December 27, 2024 10:13 am.
Last Updated December 27, 2024 5:01 pm.
Montreal and surrounding areas are under two weather warnins: smog and freezing rain.
Warning of high concentrations of pollutants in the air made the weather agency put out a smog warning for Montreal and Laval.
A freezing rain warning is also in effect for Montreal.
Smog warning
Environment Canada says that the air quality will be poorest in metropolitan areas where there are higher levels of pollution.
Children with asthma as well as people with respiratory ailments or heart disease are being encouraged to avoid intense physical activity outdoors until the warning is lifted.
Environment Canada says wood heating is the main source of particles that contribute to smog in the winter, surpassing industrial activities and transportation.
In Montreal, it’s prohibited to use a wood or solid-fuel burning appliance unless it emits fewer than 2.5 grams of particles per hour.
It’s prohibited to use even certified wood stoves or solid fuel appliances during smog warnings, and those who disregard the rule can be fined.
Freezing rain, rain and warmer weather expected
Environment Canada says that a major weather system from the Southern United States will reach Quebec on Sunday.
Up to 2 millimetres is expected to fall starting Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning.
Precipitation intensity may vary throughout this period, but the weather agency says it will be enough to make surfaces slippery.
Environment Canada says highways, roads and walkways may be icy and urge motorists to slow down.
“Pooling of water may occur on roads or in low-lying areas.”
Forecast to close out 2024
On Friday, mainly sunny skies with 40 per cent chance of flurries — a high of -11, feeling more like -17 with the wind chill.
The weekend starting off with a mix of sun and clouds — and fog patches dissipating in the morning. A high of -5 for Saturday.
Come Sunday, temperatures will rise and significant rainfall amounts are expected from Sunday evening until Monday evening. This will accelerate snowmelt.
Warmer temperatures Sunday and Monday, with a high of 3 and 8 degrees, respectively.
To end 2024, Environment Canada is forecasting a mix of sun and clouds for Tuesday — and a high of 4 degrees.
New Year’s Eve night is set to be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of flurries and zero degrees, as Montrealers ring in the quarter of a century.
Two degrees expected on New Year’s Day with snow or rain.
-With files from the Canadian Press
