Residents of Montreal are advised to prepare for a significant winter weather event as a system is set to bring heavy snow to the city this Thursday. The forecast, reported on the morning of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, indicates challenging travel conditions are on the horizon.
Winter Returns to Montreal with a Vengeance
After a period of relative calm, a major winter storm is taking aim at southern Quebec. The snowfall is expected to begin in earnest on Thursday, January 15, 2026, potentially disrupting the morning commute and daily activities across the metropolitan area. While precise accumulation totals for Montreal were not specified in the initial alert, the system is part of a broader pattern affecting Eastern Canada, with Ottawa also forecast to receive up to 10 centimetres.
A Familiar Winter Scene for the City
The impending storm serves as a reminder of Montreal's vibrant, yet often demanding, winter season. The city is no stranger to heavy snow, as evidenced by archival images from the previous winter. The forecasted weather aligns with the typical challenges faced by municipal snow removal teams, a topic of ongoing public discussion regarding service levels and efficiency.
Authorities are likely to issue updated warnings and advisories as the storm system approaches. Residents are encouraged to take standard winter preparedness steps:
- Allow extra time for travel and consider using public transit if conditions deteriorate.
- Ensure vehicles are equipped with winter tires and emergency kits.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours, such as seniors, who may be affected by the storm.
Broader Context of Canadian Winter Weather
This Montreal-specific forecast arrives amidst a national conversation about winter extremes and climate patterns. Notably, the year 2025 was recorded as the third warmest globally, raising questions about the interplay between long-term climate trends and short-term severe weather events in Canada. The upcoming snow in Montreal is a stark example of how intense winter conditions persist even against a backdrop of a warming planet.
As the city readies its plows and residents dust off their winter boots, all eyes will be on the sky come Thursday. The snowfall will test the city's winter readiness and serve as another chapter in Montreal's long history of enduring—and embracing—the Canadian winter.
