First tornado of 2026 confirmed in Quebec

Storm clouds move across the sky on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Montreal. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)

We’re only a couple of days into the month of June and so far, it’s been filled with sunny skies and slightly above average temperatures in Montreal.

It’s hard to believe that a little over a week ago, Quebec dealt with its first recorded tornado of the season.

The Northern Tornadoes Project from Western University confirmed that the province saw its first tornado on May 25, 2026. It happened at approximately 6:13 p.m. in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, near Saint-Thomas-Didyme. It’s been labelled an EF0 tornado, meaning damage was minor, shingles torn off roofs, and broken trees.

Additionally, no major injuries were reported. This tornado recorded 100 km/h winds and travelled 750 metres.

While Quebec isn’t the top province for tornado activity, (Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta rank higher,) experts say tornadoes are becoming more common in the province. We are in the midst of twister season, happening between April to September, with strongest winds recorded in June and July.

In case of one, the province suggests you take these precautions, such as monitoring weather alerts from Environment Canada, avoiding outdoor activities, taking shelter, trimming any dead branches, securing any items that could be swept up by winds, and preparing an emergency kit that’s easy to carry.

More information is available on the Government of Quebec website.