Winter returns

Tornadoes caused death and destruction in the US to end 2010

Lots to talk about on the first Monday in 2011, so lets start back on New Years Eve. Forecasters have confirmed at least 9 tornadoes across Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas in a terrible severe weather outbreak to end 2010. The storms did catastrophic damage destroying homes and claiming at least 7 lives, 4 in Missouri and 3 in Arkansas. There were numerous other reports of severe weather across the lower Mississippi Valley and southeast. The same weather system pushed the mercury well above normal in southern Quebec and New England with a temperature of 8C in Montreal yesterday. The warmer air has rapidly melted snow cover across northern Vermont and State Police had to close a section of Route 78 in Highgate last night because of flooding along the Missiqoui River. I was in Plattsburgh NY yesterday and amazed to see there is no snow cover left at all. Despite the warm weather in Montreal, we still have quite a bit of snow remaining.

We will add to our snow cover this week with two opportunities for the white stuff. Temperatures have cooled considerably behind a cold front the swept the region early Sunday. The temperature is down to -5C here on Ile Perrot this morning with colder reports around the region. Today will be partly sunny with just a few stray flurries around. Weak low pressure will pass near Montreal Tuesday with about 2-4cm of snow forecast. That will be followed by decent weather into late Thursday before another much stronger storm threatens the east. The next system will be rather complex moving from south of the Great Lakes towards the coast and strengthening before backing into New England. As with all weather this winter, the computer models are having a terrible time picking a forecast. The best guess at this time is for snow to begin late Thursday and last into early Saturday. There will be enough snow to cover the roads. That is the best we can do this far out but stay tuned!

**Your feedback on the changes I made to the blog would be appreciated. The previous format had been around for over 3 years, and I thought is was time for a change. Let me know what you think. Thank You.