Colder than normal April anticipated across southern Quebec

Strong winds swept across Quebec and Atlantic Canada on Wednesday and Thursday, gusting up to 80km/h in the Montreal region. The wind managed to flip a small aircraft on the tarmac in Saint-Lazare Thursday afternoon. No injuries were reported. (TVA News Photo)

The most recent computer guidance and forecast models are indicating a good chance of below normal temperatures for the duration of April. While that may seem like bad news at the onset, keep in mind that the average daytime high for April in Montreal, rises from 7C (45F) on the 1st of the month to 16C (61F) by the end. As a result, it may be colder than normal, but still well above freezing.

Pick up your garbage people! It amazes me how many people use the snow as their personal garbage can. The end result is a disgusting mess every spring. Not only is this an eyesore, but the tons of plastic and paper leaching into the snowmelt and running down the sewers creates an environmental danger. This embarrassing mess is located at the Mega Centre Côte-Vertu in Saint-Laurent. (ValleyWeather Photo)

That being said, there is always the chance for a surprise snowstorm or two, especially while temperatures are below normal. A look back at recent climatic data for Montreal shows some pretty impressive April snowfalls. On April 8/9, 2000, 38cm fell, while on April 27, 2010, 29.8cm was measured. During April 2007, an incredible 61.3cm fell for the month, for comparison, the normal is 12.9cm. One of the latest snowstorms on record in Montreal occurred on May 10, 1963, when 25.4cm fell over 36 hours. The message here, don't rush to remove your winter tires just yet, April is definitely a month of slow transition.

The first week of April has been true to form with daytime highs reaching nearly 10C on Tuesday and Wednesday, but struggling to reach 2C on Monday and Thursday. In addition to the mercury mood swings, the month has already produced some snow and winds up to 80km/h. Those winds even flipped a small aircraft parked on the tarmac in Saint-Lazare on Thursday. No injuries were reported. The 0.2cm of snow measured on Wednesday evening marks the 7th consecutive month with snowfall in Montreal.

Looking ahead we can expect more unsettled, moody weather. Friday will feature a sunny, cold start, followed by a mix of rain and wet snow across the entire region by evening. Warmer air will make an appearance for the weekend, under mostly sunny skies. The high temperature should reach at least 10C (50F) both days in Montreal. Looking briefly ahead to next week, we have a chance of more rain and snow Monday, along with cooler temperatures. That cooler weather may help to generate a larger storm by the end of next week, with plenty of details to work out at this time.