A potent polar vortex is hitting Quebec this weekend, ushering in the chilliest weather of the season. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a yellow warning for most of the province and parts of Ontario, indicating a moderate impact. Further west, the warning has escalated to orange, signaling a high impact.
According to the ECCC, very cold temperatures are expected this weekend, posing a risk to everyone. The agency has cautioned about wind chill values dropping to between -35 C and -38 C in Southern Quebec on Saturday morning, with similar conditions anticipated overnight and into Sunday morning. To stay safe, the ECCC advises dressing warmly in layers, including a wind-resistant outer layer, and reminds pet owners that if it’s too cold for them, it’s also too cold for their pets.
Cold warnings are issued when extremely low temperatures or wind chill increase health risks such as frostbite and hypothermia, as explained by the ECCC. This weekend, temperatures are forecasted to reach as low as -20 C, with even colder conditions expected in northern regions like Abitibi, Lac-Saint-Jean, and parts of Mauricie.
Hydro-Québec is preparing for peak electricity demand as households crank up their heating systems. The Crown corporation nearly reached its production capacity of 37,000 megawatts on Saturday morning, approaching the annual peak consumption of 40,000 megawatts. Hydro-Québec spokesperson Cendrix Bouchard mentioned that the corporation had met an even higher demand of around 43,000 megawatts back in 2023.
As power outages affected around 20,000 Hydro-Québec customers in Montreal, mainly in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Côte Saint-Luc, the utility company worked to restore service. Some outages were attributed to equipment failures, while others remained under investigation. The city of Côte Saint-Luc provided alerts and advised residents on precautions to prevent frozen pipes and offered warming locations for those impacted by the outages.
Montreal Public Health issued warnings about the extreme cold, emphasizing protective measures against frostbite and hypothermia. The agency recommended consuming hot beverages, frequent eating, avoiding cotton clothing next to the skin, changing out of wet clothes promptly, and informing a trusted contact of one’s whereabouts. Additionally, it cautioned against alcohol or drug use in cold weather and highlighted fire and carbon monoxide risks in enclosed spaces.
Montreal has expanded its capacity to accommodate over 3,000 individuals seeking warmth during the cold spell. Despite efforts to provide shelter, city officials acknowledged the ongoing challenge of ensuring access to services for all vulnerable populations. Various venues in Montreal adapted to the cold, while some outdoor activities in other regions were canceled due to the severe weather conditions.
