Honestly, if you stepped outside in Montreal today, you already know the vibe. It’s biting. The current temperature in Montreal Quebec is sitting at a crisp 17°F, but don’t let that number fool you into thinking it's a standard winter afternoon.
With the wind whipping in from the southwest at about 11 mph, the real feel—that "feels like" factor we all obsess over—is actually a much more aggressive 6°F. It’s the kind of cold that finds the gap between your scarf and your parka within seconds.
The Gritty Details of Right Now
We are currently in the thick of a light snow phase. It’s not a full-blown blizzard at this exact moment, but with humidity pegged at a heavy 94%, the air feels thick, damp, and decidedly wintry.
If you’re looking at the sky, it's classic January: dark and overcast. The UV index is a flat zero, which is basically the universe telling you that sunscreen isn’t your priority today—warm socks are.
What Happened to the Roads?
Earlier this morning, things were a total mess. We saw a mix of snow and freezing drizzle that caused some pretty major headaches. Specifically, the REM light-rail network took a hit.
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The Deux-Montagnes branch had to shut down between Bois-Franc and Ville-de-Mont-Royal because ice literally built up on the overhead power lines. This happens a lot near the Rivière des Prairies where the humidity just hangs in the air. Service did resume around 10 a.m., but it was a reminder that Montreal’s infrastructure is constantly at war with the elements.
Looking Ahead: The Tonight and Tomorrow Outlook
Don't get too comfortable with the current 17°F. As we slide into tonight, things are expected to shift.
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- The Low: We’re looking at a drop down to 8°F.
- The Wind: It’s moving to the northwest and picking up speed to around 14 mph.
- The Snow: There’s still a 25% chance of flurries overnight.
By tomorrow morning, Friday, January 16, the "biting" factor goes up a notch. Forecasters are calling for a morning low of -12°C (about 10°F), but the wind chill could make it feel like a brutal -21°C. If you have a morning commute, give yourself an extra 15 minutes. The roads are still recovering from the 10-15 cm of snow we’ve been dealing with all day.
Is Igloofest Still On?
Funny enough, today is actually the kickoff for Igloofest (running Jan 15 to Feb 7). If you’re planning to head to the Old Port to dance under the stars, you’re basically a warrior. The current temperature in Montreal Quebec might be 17°F now, but standing still in the Old Port with that river breeze is a different beast entirely.
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The organizers usually say "the colder the better" for the vibe, but tonight will definitely test that theory. Wear the neon one-piece snowsuit. It’s for fashion, sure, but mostly for survival.
How to Handle the Next 24 Hours
Basically, we’re in a "steady cold" pattern. Environment Canada has been keeping a close eye on visibility, which has been hovering around 2 km due to the light snow and blowing gusts.
Pro-tip for locals: If you haven't cleared your driveway yet, do it before tonight’s drop to 8°F. That slush is going to turn into a concrete-hard ice crust by 2 a.m., and you’ll be hacking at it with a shovel for an hour tomorrow morning if you wait.
Next steps for your Montreal winter survival:
- Check the STM or REM status before leaving the house; ice on the lines is a recurring theme this week.
- Switch to heavy-duty mittens over gloves; at 6°F (feels like), finger separation is the enemy.
- Keep an eye on the 10-15 cm accumulation totals—plows are out, so watch for "no parking" signs to avoid the infamous Montreal tow trucks.