First factor
In autumn, the first factor that reminds us that Quebec begins its long journey towards winter: frost. This is the first step to face the cold during this season. We’re barely past mid-September, but some areas are experiencing the first frosts at this time of year. This is the case of Abitibi, Gaspésie and the North Coast. This is what happened Tuesday morning in the northwest of the province. A minimum temperature of -1.5° was recorded in Rouyn-Noranda and -2.5° in Waskaganish. Frost also reached northern Ontario, with a low of -2.1° in Timmins.
A possible reminder
The province of La Belle is currently under the influence of an atmospheric depression that causes the mercury to fall close to the freezing point. This will remain the case during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday for Abitibi-Témiscamingue, as well as for Hautes-Laurentides.
Protected regions
However, the chances of frost appearing in other regions remain slim. In the Montreal, Outaouais and Estrie region, the minimums should not drop below 5°.
On average
For Abitibi, this first frost occurred almost within the annual average. Normally, the mercury drops below 0° around September 17 in Val-d’Or. The date is approximately the same for Sept-Îles and Gaspé, September 18 and 19 respectively. Sherbrooke follows with a first frost on September 21 on average. In Montreal, you usually have to wait until October 17 to feel the first sub-zero temperatures.
Diet change
According to the models, conditions would favor a return to mildness in the coming days. A crescent would allow warm air from the southern United States to penetrate into Quebec. Some areas of Ontario would be more affected by high temperatures, with highs exceeding 25°C in some places. This context would have the effect of delaying the first signs of frost in the province of Belle, at least until the end of September.
