Published on February 22, 2024 at 3:59 p.m.
Updated February 22, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
Between Friday and Saturday, Quebec will experience a severe temperature shock. The temperature drops by around twenty degrees in some areas and there is even a sudden cooling warning in effect. Explanations.
Sudden fall
Thursday's system will be followed by a cold front that will take hold. The drop in temperature will be brutal, while a mix of precipitation will fall in Quebec. The rapid sinking of the Arctic air leads to thermal shock.
Good to know: Thermal shock is usually defined as a large temperature difference that occurs in a short period of time.
Warning of sudden cooling
In Montreal, a drop of 20 degrees is expected in less than 18 hours between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. This falls under the definition of thermal shock. In certain areas such as Abitibi and Saguenay there are even warnings of sudden cooling. Sudden cooling is a rapid drop in temperature during or after precipitation, be it rain or snow. Ice may form on roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces where water may have accumulated.
Watch out for the ice cream
The sudden drop in temperature will be potentially problematic due to the rainfall received previously. We are closely monitoring the roadway and sidewalks as ice may occur Saturday morning. This could cause drivers to veer off the road and pedestrians to fall. Therefore, caution is advised.
In collaboration with Nicolas Lessard, meteorologist.