Cool, wet start to May in Ontario and Quebec

Multiple low-pressure areas will bring the threat of rain to southern Quebec this week. Temperatures will slowly warm up to normal values. The rain is needed, as conditions have been exceptionally dry with several grass and brush fires being reported in Quebec and New England. The rain has lowered the threat in southern Quebec, but it remains elevated in the Gaspé region.

Despite the arrival of May, it still feels like early April in Montreal. Cool north or northeast winds will continue the damp trend across southern Quebec today. Close to 10mm of rain fell in the city over the last 24 hours. This morning we have cloudy skies, a short break in the rain, and a cool temperature of 7C (45F). Another round of showers is moving northeast from the Ohio Valley, and should arrive this afternoon. The high today will be cool, around 10C (50F).

The good news is we can expect a warming trend for the balance of the week, with temperatures approaching 20C by Friday. It will not be a perfect stretch of weather, with plenty of clouds and showers around. However I think it will be dry a good amount of the time, with appreciable sunny breaks. While May is starting off cool, most forecasters still agree that it will be a warm and dry summer in southern Quebec and Eastern Ontario. As I always say, time will tell.