Montreal sandwiched between weather systems

A very impressive coastal storm explodes on satellite east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina late Tuesday. The storm will pass well east of Montreal today, impacting Atlantic Canada, Labrador and the Gaspe region of Quebec through Thursday. (NOAA)

A strong late season Nor'Easter is barreling up the coast towards Atlantic Canada today. The powerful ocean storm is producing hurricane force winds in the open waters of the Atlantic along with towering waves. Along the coast, high winds and rain are falling, with snow inland. The heaviest accumulations, as much as 30cm, are falling over northern Maine, eastern New Brunswick and the Gaspe region of Quebec. As the storm moves northeast, full blizzard conditions are expected across coastal Labrador and far western Newfoundland.

As the pressure gradient builds between the departing coastal storm and a cold front to our west, winds will increase up to 70km/h today over southern Quebec and Ontario. (AccuWeather.com)

We remain largely untouched by the storm here in Montreal, with the exception of strong winds developing as the pressure gradient tightens between the strengthening storm and a cold front to our west. Winds in Ontario are already approaching 80km/h in some locations, with a special weather statement now in effect. South of the border, a wind advisory has been posted for northern New York and the American side of the St. Lawrence Valley. The strong winds will spread into southern Quebec early this afternoon, with gusts expected up to 70km/h (43mph). The wind will remain gusty overnight and Thursday, up to 50km/h (31mph). The temperature will warm in advance of the front, up to 8C (48F) in Montreal, before falling quickly late in the day. The overnight low tonight will be a cold -5C (23F).

Accompanying the cold front this afternoon will be some isolated showers, with perhaps even a rumble or two of thunder along the US border. There is also the chance of scattered flurries tonight, but no accumulation is expected in Montreal. Just the sight of snow in April can be a little unsettling for most.

The good news is that warmer air will return this weekend, with temperatures close to 10C (50F) expected Saturday and Sunday.