Quebec Weather: Cold Shielding From Major Storms, Frequent Snow Expected in February

February’s weather pattern is shaping up to be a continuation of recent weeks, with a persistent cold air mass acting as a significant influence on storm tracks. This established cold is effectively shielding Quebec from major coastal storms, but it also means the province is likely to experience a series of smaller, more frequent weather systems.

A Shield Against the Big Ones

How the Cold Impacts Storms

The unusually cold air is pushing the jet stream – often described as the “highway” for storms – southward. This forces larger storm systems developing over the Colorado and Texas regions to deviate eastward, impacting the U.S. East Coast and the Maritime provinces, rather than directly hitting Quebec.

Did You Know? The current weather scenario involves a cold air mass acting as a “shield” by altering the typical path of storm systems.

What to Expect in February

While Quebec may avoid the brunt of powerful coastal storms, residents shouldn’t expect clear skies. The province is expected to be regularly impacted by “clippers” originating from Alberta. These are fast-moving, smaller systems that form east of the Rocky Mountains.

Because these Alberta clippers don’t draw moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and traverse a frozen landscape, they typically deliver smaller, but more frequent, accumulations of snow.

Expert Insight: The shift in storm tracks highlights the interconnectedness of weather systems across North America, where conditions in one region can significantly influence those in others.

Overall Snowfall Outlook

Current analysis suggests that February snowfall totals in Montreal are likely to be near seasonal averages. Meteorologist Patrick Duplessis notes that the accumulation of several smaller systems throughout the month could help reach those normal levels, despite the lack of major storms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a clipper system?

A clipper is a fast-moving, small low-pressure system that forms east of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and travels across the plains.

Where are the major storms heading?

Large storm systems are being forced to deviate towards the U.S. East Coast and the Maritime provinces due to the southward shift of the jet stream.

Will Quebec get its normal amount of snow this February?

February is expected to see snowfall totals near seasonal averages in Montreal, potentially achieved through the accumulation of several smaller systems.

How will these repeated, smaller snowfalls impact your winter plans this year?