Mild weekend followed by potential storm for Montreal

A developing coastal low on Monday may provide heavy snow or freezing rain in southern Quebec by Tuesday. (AccuWeather.com)

The weather remains spring-like across southern Quebec this morning, with temperatures more like March than January. The low was 0C (32F) at my home on L'Ile Perrot, the normal overnight low should be -15C (5C). Skies remain dull this morning, and it should stay that way for most of the day. If we are lucky, a few breaks of sun may occur this afternoon. Temperatures will remain mild, up to 4C (39F). The weekend will feature more of the same, plenty of low clouds, some drizzle or freezing drizzle Saturday and very mild temperatures.

SNOWSTORM
Our attention then turns to early next week, and the potential for a significant storm Tuesday. Models have been consistently showing a low pressure area developing off the Carolina's on Monday and heading northward towards southern New England. Abundant moisture would be available with any coastal storm, what is missing is any sign of arctic air that would really ramp up this storm. That being said, marginally cold air would exist west of the storm track, enough to produce significant wet snow or freezing rain in some locations. The idea of a storm has been consistent from run to run of the weather models, what has not been, is the type of precipitation expected or the track of the storm. At this time, it looks like Montreal would receive wet snow Monday night and Tuesday, along with strong winds, in excess of 50km/h. Accumulations are difficult at best to pin down, but we could be looking at more than 15cm (6 inches) of snow in Montreal and points south and east, with lesser amounts as you head west into Ontario. A messy mix of freezing rain and snow would fall over northern New England, eventually transitioning to rain as you move southeast towards the coast.

I will post additional updates this weekend via The Suburban blog and Twitter account. Follow the forecast closely if you have travel plans late Monday through early Wednesday.