Québec experienced a severe cold snap over the weekend, breaking a record that stood for over two decades. On Saturday, January 6, the temperature in Québec City dropped to a chilling -21.4 °C, surpassing the previous record of -20.8 °C set in 2004. The day felt even colder, with wind chill values plummeting to -36 °C, as noted by Nicolas Lessard, a meteorologist at MétéoMédia.
Temperature Records and Energy Demand
On Sunday morning, temperatures further dipped to -27 °C, with a wind chill making it feel as low as -37 °C. This extreme cold prompted a surge in energy demand, peaking at 40,220 megawatts (MW), according to Hydro-Québec. Lynn St-Laurent, Hydro-Québec’s spokesperson, stated that these figures were among the highest recorded so far this winter. However, they did not surpass the all-time high of 43,124 MW reached on February 3, 2023, when temperatures plummeted to -52 °C.
Impact on Activities and Ski Conditions
The severe weather forced some cancellations in outdoor activities, including evening skiing at Mont-Sainte-Anne in the Capitale-Nationale and Mont Saint-Bruno in Montérégie. Nevertheless, many skiing enthusiasts headed to the Massif, where employees resumed work a few days after a favorable vote on a new agreement. Despite the frigid temperatures, skiers rejoiced, as the season had recently faced uncertainty.
Future Skiing Conditions
MétéoMédia forecasts favorable ski conditions in the coming week. The expected powdery snow will be ideal for skiing, although it presents challenges for road travel. According to meteorological reports, the snow will not be heavy and will accumulate easily.
Weather Cautions
Motorists should exercise caution early in the week, as blowing snow and poor visibility are anticipated due to wind gusts reaching 50 km/h. Environnement Canada predicts 5 to 10 centimeters of new snow by Monday evening in Québec City.
- Temperature Records:
- -21.4 °C on January 6, 2023
- -20.8 °C record from 2004
- -27 °C recorded on January 7, 2023
- Previous peak demand of 43,124 MW on February 3, 2023
- Safety Tips:
- Avoid driving in low visibility conditions.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
Stay tuned for updates as weather conditions evolve throughout the week, with a potential return of sunshine midweek.
