Mixed bag of precipitation on its way to Quebec

Freezing rain in Montreal

A mixed bag of weather is expected to hit parts of southwestern Quebec beginning Wednesday. A large low pressure system from the U.S. plains will bring a mix of snow, rain and possibly freezing rain.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued special weather statements warning of difficult driving conditions Wednesday night through Friday. 

Montreal is expected to see wet weather push in late Wednesday evening.

With temperatures above the freezing mark, wet weather is expected to fall in the form of rain. 

The mercury is expected to climb to 7 C early Thursday morning, a record for Feb. 17. The current record high temperature for this date is 6.8 C in 2011.

In addition to record high temperatures, Montreal could see record rainfall with upwards of 20 mm in the forecast.

Thursday night, temperatures are expected to drop back below the freezing mark. Montreal will see rain change to snow and the city could see accumulations.

A brief period of freezing rain is also possible as before the changeover to snow. Motorists should prepare for slick conditions. 

Meanwhile, areas north of the St. Lawrence are bracing for significant snowfall Wednesday night through Thursday, including portions of the Gaspé Peninsula.

Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing through the weekend.