Mid-Week Storm?

Will Montreal be on the bubble again this week? This is AccuWeather's take on the system.

The potential exists for a big Groundhog Day storm starting in Ontario and spreading into extreme southern Quebec. I have spent the morning looking at different forecast products and discussions trying to figure out why, at least at this time, Environment Canada is overlooking the possibility of a decent snowfall in Montreal on Wednesday. The official forecast is for partly cloudy skies and flurries. Most neighboring weather offices and weather sources are calling for a measurable snowstorm with strong winds followed by some of the coldest air of this winter on Thursday.

So lets take a quick look at it on the Sunday morning. Two pieces of energy one from the US southwest and a second one coming from the Prairies will converge near the southern Great Lakes by early this week. Low pressure is forecast to take shape and move across the southern tier of New York and into southern New England. This storm will have plenty of cold air to the north and a good supply of moisture and warm air to the south. The only question mark will be the storms exact path across New York. Obviously the further north the greater the impact it will have on Montreal and eastern Ontario. In any event look for a period of steady accumulating snow and blowing snow from late Tuesday into early Thursday region wide with poor travel conditions and the potential for numerous air and ground delays.

Now if this seems familiar it is because for the last three weeks it looked as if we were going to have a mid-week storm only to have the system pass to our south and east. The difference this time is this is not a coastal storm, but rather one originating in the Midwest. Only time will tell, stay tuned for updates. One thing is certain, Phil and Willy will not see their shadows, and likely scream to be put back into the warm shelter!