Cool wet weather continues in eastern Canada

Cool and wet weather will persist in eastern North America through mid-May.

A rather large swing in the jet stream is producing below-normal temperatures, along with damp weather here in southern Quebec and most of eastern Canada. The dismal weather is making for a very slow start to spring here in Montreal. April 2016 was the third coldest on record since 1900, only behind 1926 and 1947. We can expect some very slow changes over the next week or so, with milder temperatures by the end of next week. In the short-term, look for a decent Friday and Saturday, with sunshine and milder highs near 19C (66F). The problem will be a persistent northeast wind of 20-40km/h that will make it feel cooler. Sadly, Mother's Day Sunday looks rainy, windy and cool, with a high of only 12C (54F).

A surreal scene Thursday in the Fort McMurray suburb of Beacon Hill, after wildfires destroyed 80 percent of the neighbourhood. You can help at www.redcross.ca (Radio Canada)

Fort McMurray Fire
The same weather setup producing our cool weather, is pumping very warm and dry air into western Canada, leading in part to the perfect fire weather in northern Alberta. The Fort McMurray wildfire has now scorched over 9000 acres, making it one of the biggest in recent memory. The fire remains out of control, despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters and help pouring in from across the country. The City of Montreal has donated $100,000 dollars to the relief efforts. The Province of Quebec has sent four water bombers along with eight pilots and four mechanics. Over 2000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and over 80,000 residents remain evacuated. Sadly two fatalities occurred during the evacuation. There is some hope that cooler weather and perhaps some showers will arrive over the weekend and into early next week. This will be welcome relief from the 30 to 35C record heat that has been occurring from northern Alberta into Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba. On Thursday, Winnipeg recorded a record high of 34.9C.