Residents and visitors planning to celebrate the arrival of 2026 in Quebec will need to ensure their winter wardrobes are ready. Forecasts indicate a cold and potentially flurry-filled evening for New Year's Eve festivities across the province.
Recent Storm Leaves Icy Legacy
The warning to dress warmly comes on the heels of a significant winter storm that impacted the region earlier in the week. On Monday, December 29, 2025, parts of Montreal were left coated in ice after the area received approximately 15 millimetres of freezing rain. Photographs from the scene depicted streets transformed into hazardous sheets of ice, a stark reminder of winter's grip.
While cleanup efforts have been underway, the residual ice and ongoing cold temperatures serve as a precursor to the conditions expected as the clock counts down to midnight on December 31st.
What to Expect for Celebrations
Major celebrations, including those in Montreal's historic Old Port, are proceeding as planned, but organizers and officials are urging caution. Revelers are advised to wear multiple layers, waterproof boots, and to be mindful of potentially slippery surfaces in public squares and along pedestrian pathways.
The cold is not confined to Montreal. Environment Canada's forecasts suggest a broad sweep of low temperatures across central and eastern Canada to mark the beginning of the new year.
A Broader Canadian Winter Pattern
The chilly conditions in Quebec align with active weather reported in other parts of the country. A section of Ottawa's famed Rideau Canal Skateway has opened for skating, a direct result of sustained cold. Meanwhile, special weather statements have been issued for the Maritimes, warning of snow arriving on New Year's Day.
In northern Manitoba, forecasts are even more severe, with blizzard conditions and dangerous freezing temperatures expected. This nationwide pattern underscores the classic Canadian winter experience, where celebrating outdoors requires preparation and resilience.
As Quebec prepares to turn the calendar, the message is clear: the champagne may bubble, but temperatures will plummet. Ensuring you are bundled up is the first step to a safe and happy New Year's celebration under the winter stars.
