A deep freeze has taken hold of Montreal, and it’s not letting go.
And just when we thought it couldn't get any worse, New Year’s Eve in Southern Quebec is looking like the coldest since 2018 — with wind chills hovering around –20°C across the province.
What is the weather forecast for New Year’s Eve in Montreal?
According to a report by MétéoMédia, on December 31, temperatures will plunge to between –14°C and –20°C across nearly the entire province.
As the clock strikes midnight to welcome 2026, Montreal is expected to sit at –17°C, but the wind chill will feel much colder.
Planning to celebrate at Montréal’s Grand Minuit? You’ll need to keep moving, and bundle up properly.
Read more: Montreal’s best New Year’s Eve 2026 party is free — with dazzling fireworks and live music
Wind chills will sit near –20°C almost everywhere, except Sherbrooke—while Chibougamau will feel like an eye-watering –31°C.
What will the temperature be like on New Year's day?
New Year’s Day will be bright and sunny, but make no mistake, it will be bitterly cold.
Ice cleats will be in high demand for New Year’s errands, as the ice left behind by freezing rain isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
After a surprisingly mild final week of the year—with temperatures near or even above seasonal norms—this cold snap is a sharp reversal.
What is the coldest it's ever been in Montreal on New Year's Eve?
To find a New Year’s Day this cold, you have to go back to 2018 when Montreal registered –23°C at midnight, with some regions flirting with –30°C.
Southern Quebec will kick off 2026 under clear skies, but this is a day for toques and parkas, not sandals and shorts.
Check out: Best New Year's Eve 2026 events and parties in Montreal
Afternoon highs are forecast at –15°C in Montreal, –17°C in Saguenay, and –20°C in Val-d’Or.
Eastern Quebec will dodge the worst of the Arctic air, with highs around –8°C in Sept-Îles and –6°C in Gaspé.
For more information about Environment Canada's updates, click here.
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