Montreal Braces for Near-Freezing Temperatures as Frost Advisory Takes Effect

Key facts

• Frost advisory issued for Montreal on April 30, 2026.
• Overnight low expected to reach 0°C Thursday night.
• Rain ends Thursday afternoon, skies clear, winds shift to west at 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h.
• Daytime high Thursday: 11°C; Friday high: 13°C.
• Weekend forecast: mix of sun and cloud, highs near 13°C.
• Monday: 40% chance of showers, high 23°C; Tuesday high 19°C.
• Average high for April 27 in Montreal: 14.1°C; average low: 3.5°C.
• Historical extreme: 30°C in 1990; -5.6°C in 1966.

Frost Advisory Issued for Montreal as Temperatures Plunge

A frost advisory has been issued for Montreal, with temperatures expected to drop to around the freezing mark Thursday night. Environment Canada warns that conditions are favourable for frost formation, particularly in exposed and low-lying areas, as skies clear and winds ease overnight. The advisory, posted on April 30, 2026, at 7:58 am and updated at 10:30 am, comes as the region experiences a late-season cold snap. Rain is expected to end Thursday afternoon, followed by cloudy skies and winds shifting from the south to the west at 20 km/h, gusting up to 40 km/h. The daytime high will reach 11°C. Skies will become partly cloudy Thursday night, allowing temperatures to fall to 0°C and increasing the likelihood of frost developing. The frost advisory remains in effect for the Greater Montreal region, urging residents to protect sensitive plants and outdoor vegetation.

Friday Brings Sunny Relief but Cool Conditions Persist

Friday will bring mainly sunny conditions, with a high of 13°C and west winds increasing to 30 km/h. Clear skies will continue Friday night, with a low of 3°C, offering a slight reprieve from the freezing temperatures. The weekend forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud Saturday and Sunday, with daytime highs near 13°C. While not as cold as Thursday night, the temperatures remain below seasonal averages, which for late April typically hover around 14.1°C for the high and 3.5°C for the low.

Warmer Weather Expected Early Next Week

Cloudier conditions return early next week, with a 40 per cent chance of showers Monday. However, temperatures are expected to climb significantly, reaching a high of 23°C on Monday with a UV index of 6, or high. Overnight, that will drop to a low of 8°C. Tuesday is mainly sunny with increasing cloudiness in the afternoon but a high of 21°C, inching down to 17°C on Wednesday. April showers close out the month by Thursday, giving life to May flowers. By Tuesday, temperatures are expected to climb to 19°C before rain returns Wednesday.

Historical Context: Late April Temperature Swings

The average high for the Montreal area on April 27 is 14.1°C, with an average low of 3.5°C. Back in 1990, the city hit 30°C, quite the swing from 1966’s historic low of minus-5.6°C. This year's late-April cold snap, while notable, is not unprecedented. The frost advisory highlights the variability of spring weather in Montreal, where residents have experienced everything from near-freezing temperatures to summer-like heat in the same week. The current conditions are a reminder that spring can be unpredictable, and gardeners and farmers should remain vigilant.

What Comes Next: Showers and Gradual Warming

Looking ahead, the region can expect a gradual warming trend after the cold snap. Monday's high of 23°C will be a stark contrast to Thursday's 11°C, offering a taste of summer. However, the 40 per cent chance of showers Monday suggests that the transition will not be entirely dry. By Wednesday, temperatures will settle around 17°C, with rain expected to return. The frost advisory is expected to lift after Thursday night, but residents should stay tuned for updates as conditions evolve. The coming days will test the resilience of early spring blooms and crops.

The bottom line

• Montreal is under a frost advisory with overnight lows near 0°C on April 30.
• Conditions are most favourable for frost in exposed and low-lying areas.
• Friday and the weekend will be sunny but cool, with highs around 13°C.
• Early next week brings a sharp warm-up to 23°C on Monday, with a chance of showers.
• Historical data shows late April temperature extremes from -5.6°C to 30°C.
• Residents should protect sensitive plants and monitor forecasts for updates.