More ice for the valleys

It has been a rough start to 2006 for many across North America and indeed the world. My thoughts and prayers are with those in the West Virginia mine tragedy, the news is not good this morning, as well as those suffering in the California floods and the wildfires in the southern plains.

The weather has been equally bizarre with a very mild flow of Pacific air dominating the North America. This has allowed very warm tropical air to stream northward. Temperatures have been almost summerlike from Texas to Florida. In Ontario and Quebec we are just north of the really warm air. The unfortunate thing about that is it leaves our areas exposed to freezing rain and fog. This morning a Freezing Fog Advisory is in effect for the St. Lawrence Valley of NY/Ontario, and the Conn. Valley of Eastern Vermont.

A low pressure area developing in the Midwest will slide down the St. Lawrence Valley tonight leaving Montreal and Ottawa on its northern side. Snow and sleet will develop today and continue into Thursday. By the time it ends 10cm should fall. It won't be a big storm, but it will be messy. No warnings are out yet, but the system should be watched.