Quebecers might be in for a slippery and wet weekend. 

Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning covering western and central Quebec where “a prolonged period of freezing precipitation” and icy build-ups are expected.

The Abitibi-Témiscamingue region is expected to see rain as early as Friday. Environment Canada is forecasting that region will receive up to five millimetres of freezing precipitation by the end of Saturday.

The agency has also issued a special weather statement forecasting freezing rain or drizzle over an area stretching from the Laurentians, engulfing the Montreal and Quebec City areas, until the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, from Saturday evening until Sunday.

This will be followed by warmer weather, thawing and “significant rainfall,” which will last through Monday. 

Warnings are issued when precipitation is expected for at least two hours or if the freezing rain might pose a hazard to property and transportation.

A major weather system from the Southern United States is expected to reach Quebec Sunday, the special weather statement says.

Roads and sidewalks may be slippery and “ponding of water may occur on roads or in low-lying areas,” says the agency.

A smog warning issued Thursday also remains in effect. It covers part of the Laurentians, the Montreal and Laval areas, the Montérégie and the St. Lawrence Valley northeast of Trois-Rivières, Que.