Strong fall storm to impact southern Quebec

A strengthening coastal storm is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds to southern Quebec on Sunday and Monday. (AccuWeather.com)

Cooler weather has settled into southern Quebec to end the work week. As we head into the last weekend of October, big changes are on the horizon. Saturday will be partly cloudy and relatively mild, with daytime highs near 15C (59F). Late Saturday and early Sunday, low pressure will move east from the Great Lakes into Quebec, with showers. This is the same system that spread snow across the upper midwest, southern Manitoba and northwest Ontario. Montreal however will remain on the mild side of this system, with all liquid precipitation. On Sunday, a rapidly strengthening coastal storm will move northward from Florida to the Carolinas, and eventually into New England by early Monday. This storm has the potential to produce very heavy rain across the region, along with strong winds.

The heavy rain is expected to fall during a 12 to 18 hour period Sunday into early Monday, with between 50 and 100mm (2-4 inches) possible. In addition to the rain, gusty winds of up to 80km/h are possible as well. Some localized flooding is likely, along with the potential for power outages. A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada. This may be upgraded to a weather warning as the weekend progresses and the forecast becomes more certain.

The Halloween forecast looks cloudy and cold but thankfully dry.

Behind the storm, much colder air will be drawn south, with a chance for some flurries in the higher elevations by Halloween. The good news for trick or treaters is that the weather should improve by Tuesday. Conditions will be cloud but dry, it will however be much cooler, with daytime highs near 6C (43F).