Freezing rain, snowstorm warnings issued for southern Quebec

Up to 15 millimetres of freezing rain mixed with rain, ice pellets and snow could fall in some parts of southern Quebec overnight between Saturday and Sunday.

In the greater Montreal region, between 15 and 25 centimetres of snow is being called for. Some of the precipitation for the area could be freezing rain as well.

On top of that, a roller coaster of temperature changes is approachingthe Montreal region.

Saturday's high is expected to hit -10 C, while Environment Canada says Sunday's high will be 10 C.

Then temperatures will likely plummet again, to a high of -11C on Monday.

Special weather warnings are in effect for nearly half of Quebec's surface area, including:

• The greater Montreal region.
• Eastern Townships.
• Richelieu Valley.
• Quebec City.
• Gatineau.

The weather forecast is owed to amajor low pressure system emanating from the southwestern U.S.

• Check the flight departure schedule at Montreal-Trudeau

Mixed precipitation

"We're looking at snow starting in the second half of Saturday afternoon, giving anywhere from to 10 to 15centimetres of snow, before it changes over to freezing rain in the overnight hours, before it changes again into liquid rain sometime Sunday morning,"Environment Canada forecaster DenisThibodeausaid.

• CBC Montreal weather forecast
• Canada's weather weekend includes storms, freezing rain, extreme cold
• Canada weather: All 10 provinces under warnings or special statements

The combination of types of precipitation make for particularly dangerous conditions.

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas," reads the Environment Canada weather warning.