Residents of Montreal are advised to prepare for a significant winter weather event this Sunday, January 11, 2026. Environment Canada has issued a yellow snowfall warning, forecasting a rapid accumulation of up to 15 centimetres of snow by the time the city wakes up.
Heavy Snow and Rapid Accumulation
The national weather agency warns that the heavy snowfall will lead to a swift build-up on the ground. At its peak, snowfall rates could reach an intense 3 to 4 centimetres per hour for several hours. This rapid accumulation is the primary cause for the official warning.
Changing Conditions and Travel Impacts
Early Sunday morning, the snow is predicted to potentially change over to light rain, which may influence the final total snowfall amounts. Regardless, the conditions will create significant challenges for residents. Travel is expected to be difficult and drivers should be prepared for hazardous road conditions. Visibility will also be significantly reduced at times during the heaviest periods of snow.
The snow or rain activity is forecast to end during the morning hours. The rest of the day will see mainly cloudy skies with a few flurries beginning in the afternoon.
Wind, Temperature, and Overnight Forecast
Winds will be a notable factor, shifting from east at 20 km/h to a stronger southwest wind at 30 km/h. Gusts are expected to reach up to 60 km/h in the morning. The temperature will fall to minus 2 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, but the wind chill will make it feel more like a biting minus 9.
Looking ahead to Sunday night, Montreal can expect cloudy periods with a 60 per cent chance of flurries. The overnight low is forecast to drop to a chilly minus 10 degrees Celsius.
Environment Canada's warning serves as a critical alert for Montrealers to exercise caution, allow extra time for travel, and consider postponing non-essential trips until conditions improve.
