Montreal between storms － frigid by next weekend

NOAA image of the large winter storm off the east coast. The swirl and eye-like cloud structure resemble that of a hurricane.

As has been the case most of this winter, Montreal will remain spectators as another large winter storm moves up the east coast. The system, resembling a hurricane on satellite images this morning, will pass off the coast of New England later today. On Sunday, the storm brought heavy rain and widespread coastal flooding to North Carolina. Today, southern New England, especially Massachusetts, will take the brunt of the storm with blizzard conditions and 100km/h (60 mph) winds. In addition to the heavy snow, waves of over 5 feet and a storm surge will impact coastal areas as far north as Nova Scotia. A blizzard warning has been issued for Nova Scotia where 30cm of snow is forecast, along with winds up to 90km/h (55 mph).

Southern Quebec will remain on the far western edge of the system today, with partly sunny skies and cold northeast winds up to 50km/h. Temperatures will be colder than they have been in some time, with a high of -7C (19F). We will see windchill values in the minus teens. Tonight, a second area of low pressure developing over the Great Lakes will spread an area of light snow into Montreal that will persist into Tuesday. We are expecting less than 5cm total accumulation with perhaps a little blowing snow at times. Temperatures will be cold, with a low of -10C (14F) and a high Tuesday near -5C (21F). By the weekend, the coldest air this winter will pour into southern Quebec with overnight lows in the -20's and daytime highs in the minus teens.