Blustery week ahead

5pm Update: The snow became much steadier in Montreal around 2pm today as low pressure moved from Maine into eastern Quebec. Winds have increased, the pressure is dropping and visibility is down to 1km at the airport. A few centimetres are down on the ground, and snow and blowing snow will continue overnight with 5-10cm expected. No warnings are in effect in southern Quebec, but they are for Vermont and New York. Regardless, the roads are snow covered, visibility is poor, and travel in and around Montreal has become very difficult.


High pressure near Greenland continues to block weather systems from moving east across Canada. The result is low pressure moving inland across Maine and into Quebec today. Heavy rain, strong winds to 100km/h and coastal flooding are affecting Nova Scotia. Meanwhile west of the storm center cold northwest winds are keeping temperatures below freezing with snow developing. Radar this morning is showing snow moving west through the St. Lawrence Valley. It is already snowing in Quebec City with heavy snow expected shortly. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect with 15-25cm expected. Winds will increase to 50km/h causing blowing snow and low wind chills. The snow will move into Montreal after lunch but will be light with only 5cm expected.

Meanwhile well west of the low across Ontario snow has been falling south of Lake Huron all weekend. The heavy snow bands have worked there way south right into the GTA and along the 401. Some regions near Collingwood and the Bruce Peninsula have had over 40cm of snow. Strong winds are producing dangerous travel along the 400, 401 and 402. In Eastern Ontario a steady stream of light snow has been falling from Ottawa south along the 416 and towards Brockville. A few centimeters have fallen from the first storm. It appears limited moisture from the second storm will make it into this part of Ontario with only flurries expected.

It will be windy and cold today and Tuesday with temperatures around -2C. The temperature is -7C this morning in off island and -4C at the airport with a gusty northwest wind.