Finally some February snow for southwestern Quebec

It took until February 13 for the first snow of the month to fall across many parts of southwestern Quebec. That has not happened since the El Nino winter of 1998, when it snowed for the first time that year on February 17. Only 1.4cm of snow has fallen so far this month in Montreal, the long-term average for the city is 41.2cm. (Valley Weather)

Snow is in the forecast for Thursday night, and it will likely be the first measurable snowfall for many across southwestern Quebec this month. On Tuesday night, Montreal's Trudeau Airport measured 1.4cm of snow during a fast moving squall, otherwise most of the region has had no snow since late January. The last time we had so little measurable snow to start a February was also during an El Nino year in 1998, when it took until the 17th for our first snowfall.

Clouds are thickening up late Thursday afternoon in advance of a fast moving Alberta Clipper moving across the Great Lakes and southern Ontario and into upstate New York. A swath of heavy snow is falling this afternoon along the Highway 401 corridor, and moving east. Toronto has been reporting visibility below 1km in heavy snow for the last three hours. Snow will spread across eastern Ontario late this afternoon.

The snow should move into the metro Montreal region this evening and taper off overnight. Most regions will see a quick 5cm of snow, but closer to 10cm is possible from Vaudreuil-Dorion southwest towards the Ontario and New York State borders. Winds should remain less than 30km/h during the snowfall. Temperatures will be below freezing for a change, dropping to -7C (19F) tonight  and rising to a high of -3 (27F) Friday. Clouds will linger on Friday, along with a few flurries.

Widespread winter weather advisories are in effect through southern and eastern Ontario and across the border into upstate New York and Vermont. 

Expect slow travel tonight, with low visibility and snow covered roads, something we are not use to this winter. The snow should be over for the morning commute in Montreal.