Winter storm for Montreal

Low pressure is forecast to intensify rapidly off the Maine coast late Sunday, delivering Montreal the largest snowstorm of the winter so far. (AccuWeather.com)

An active weather pattern will bring several rounds of accumulating snow to southern Quebec over the next few days. Heavy snowfall warnings are in effect for eastern Ontario and southern Quebec, including metro Montreal, from Sunday into Monday. Low pressure is forecast to move from the lower Great Lakes across New England, while a second storm develops rapidly off the Maine coast. The two storms will merge, producing heavy snow, starting Sunday morning in Ontario and by early afternoon in Montreal. The snow will be heavy at times, with accumulations expected in the 15 to 30cm range (6 to 12 inches) by Monday. Winds will strengthen late Sunday, up to 40km/h, increasing on Monday to well over 60km/h. Expect widespread blowing and drifting snow in the St. Lawrence Valley.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for all of New England and New York for similar conditions. Air travel will likely become very difficult across the northeast US and eastern Canada by late Sunday. Any unnecessary road travel outside metro regions should be postponed Sunday. If the forecast conditions develop as expected, this will  be the most significant snowstorm of the season so far in Montreal. Temperatures will remain cold throughout the storm here in the St. Lawrence Valley. The high on Sunday in Montreal will be near -6C (21F), with the overnight low near -8C (18F).

We will get a brief break on Tuesday, before another storm arrives Wednesday with more snow for Montreal.