Honestly, if you've ever stepped out of Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in the middle of January, you know that "cold" is a relative term. Right now, the current temperature in Montreal is 5°F.
It’s nighttime, and the sky is draped in a thick layer of clouds. If you’re looking out a window in Plateau or Griffintown, it probably looks peaceful, but that 5°F is a bit of a liar. Thanks to an easterly wind blowing at about 6 mph, it actually feels like -5°F out there.
The Friday Reality Check
Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, has been a bit of a grind for anyone commuting. We hit a high of only 12°F. It wasn't exactly tropical. The low dipped down to -1°F earlier, and we’ve been dealing with about 79% humidity, which makes that biting air feel like it’s sticking to your skin.
You’ve probably noticed the flurries. There was a 20% chance of snow during the day, but as we move deeper into the night, that chance jumps to 35%. Basically, keep the boots by the door.
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Why Montreal Weather is Kinda Wild
People always talk about the "underground city" (RESO), and nights like this are exactly why it exists. But there's a nuance to Montreal winters that outsiders miss. It’s not just the mercury dropping; it’s the dampness from the Saint Lawrence River.
Earlier today, a brand new Apple Store opened on Sainte-Catherine Street. People were actually lining up in this stuff! They were giving out toques—which is just Canadian for a beanie—and honestly, those folks needed them. When the temperature hovers around 5°F, your ears are usually the first thing to stage a protest.
What’s Coming Next?
If you’re planning your Saturday, here’s the deal. It’s going to get "warmer," if you can call it that.
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- Saturday, Jan 17: We’re looking at a high of 31°F. That’s a huge jump from today! But don't get too excited—it comes with snow showers all day and night.
- The Wind Shift: The wind is going to swing around and come from the north tomorrow at 8 mph.
- The Humidity Spike: Expect it to feel pretty heavy with humidity hitting 88%.
Looking further ahead, Sunday stays in the mid-20s with more snow showers. It seems like the city is settled into a classic snowy stretch.
Survival Tips for 5°F Nights
If you have to be out right now, layers aren't just a suggestion; they're a requirement.
- Cover the Extremities: At -5°F wind chill, exposed skin starts to feel the sting fast.
- Watch the Ice: With a 35% chance of snow tonight, the sidewalks are going to get slick, especially on those side streets in the McGill Ghetto or Old Montreal where the salt trucks sometimes take a bit longer to reach.
- Check the Metro: If you're heading across town, the Metro is your best friend. It’s a steady 68°F (20°C) down there regardless of what the chaos is doing on the surface.
The "deep freeze" we saw earlier in the month is easing up slightly, but we’re still firmly in the heart of a Quebec winter. The high of 31°F tomorrow will feel like a gift compared to the 12°F we struggled with today.
Actionable Insight: If you're driving tomorrow, give yourself an extra 15 minutes to clear the snow off your car. With snow showers forecasted throughout the day and a 35% precipitation chance, visibility and road grip will be "kinda" messy during the morning hours. Keep a jug of -40°C rated washer fluid in the trunk—you're going to use it.