Buckle up, Quebec: a messy winter cocktail is on its way.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for most of southern Quebec, including Montreal, the Eastern Townships, Lanaudière and the Quebec City area.

While it has been unseasonably warm, the cold will make its return overnight Friday, dropping to -10 C by Saturday.

The weather agency says the rain will change to freezing rain then to ice pellets and snow overnight Friday.

By Saturday, the snow will intensify and some regions are expected to get up to 25 centimetres by the end of the weekend.

The wintry conditions will make for a tricky drive as snow accumulates and the cold sets in. Highways, roads and sidewalks could become slippery.

Urgences-Santé put out a warning Friday afternoon, urging citizens to stay home and off the roads if possible.

"For those who have to travel outside, we ask you to be very cautious, since these kinds of weather conditions usually result in accidents and many calls to 911," read the statement.

In Montreal, snow-removal operations are still underway from last weekend when the city saw 20 centimetres of snow fall. As of Friday morning, about 83 per cent of streets have been cleared.

Flash freezes and deep chill

Some regions in the southern half of the province are also under a flash freeze warning.

Environment Canada warns that a cold front is coming to areas such as the Laurentians, Gatineau and Mont-Laurier.

Environment Canada has issued a flash freeze warning for several areas in southern Quebec. It will make surfaces slippery and icy. (Charles Contant/CBC) With the sudden drop in temperatures, water accumulation, slush and snow will quickly freeze on the ground.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will be become icy and slippery.

The weather agency has also issued an extreme cold warning for areas such as Abitibi and Matagami, where it could feel as cold as -40 starting this evening.

An extreme cold weather warning is issued when there is a higher risk of frostbite and hypothermia.