Heat and humidity increase this week across southern Quebec

The weather was perfect all weekend for the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Light winds, low humidity and ideal temperatures greeted race fans in Montreal. More importantly after rain created significant problems for organizers,  fans and drivers in 2024, the weather remained dry for the entire 2025 three-day event. (F1.com photo)

High pressure anchored over southern Quebec managed to keep the clouds and rain to our south over New England and New York all weekend long.

As we move towards the summer solstice this coming Friday, the heat and humidity will start to build this week. The weather looks rather unsettled for the upcoming week, but not a washout by any means. June has been rather dry when compared to the rest of the spring in Montreal, so we could use some rainfall. To date, only 12mm of rain has fallen at Trudeau Airport in June.

The weekend was spectacular, with ideal conditions for the Canadian Grand Prix or any other outdoor activities. So as we start a new week, high pressure will give us one more ideal day, with sunshine and very warm temperatures. The high in Montreal will be near 28C (83F). 

Clouds and humidity will begin increasing tonight into Tuesday, along with higher dew points, making the airmass feel quite muggy. These conditions will prevail for most of the work week. We may see some isolated showers on Tuesday, with the chances for precipitation and even thunderstorms increasing into Thursday. Temperatures will remain warm, around 27C (80F) for highs and remaining warm overnight, in the upper teens to near 20C (68F). Slightly cooler air may arrive by next Friday or Saturday, but it will be short-lived as the heat will increase again by the Fête Saint-Jean here in Québec.

Montreal may have a rain-free weekend for the Canadian Grand Prix

A quick moving thunderstorm dumped torrential rain on Montreal on Tuesday afternoon. Thankfully the storm only lasted a few minutes, with 10mm falling at Trudeau Airport. (Valley Weather)

After a dismal spring that has had rain on just about every weekend, we may be looking at a break, just in time for the Formula F-1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

Weak high pressure is moving across southern Quebec on Wednesday, to be followed by a quick moving cold front this evening. That front will generate gusty southwest winds in the St. Lawrence Valley, possibly exceeding 50km/h through the overnight hours. There may be a spot shower or two, but no much precipitation is expected.

High pressure builds back in for Thursday and Friday, with brilliant sunshine and cooler, less-humid conditions. The high Wednesday will be close to 27C (81F0, dropping into the low 20s through the weekend. In terms of precipitation, dry weather is expected through late Friday. In the pre-dawn hours of Saturday, a warm front will lift north across New England. A few showers or isolated thunderstorms are likely along it. The question will be how far north will it move before heading back south.

The thinking at this time is that any showers will remain south of Montreal. Sunday at the moment looks ideal for the race, light winds, low humidity, sunshine, and a high of 24C (76F). The hope is that the venue will avoid the major problems they had last year, when over 30mm of rain fell over the course of the event, causing significant water accumulation on Ile Notre Dame.

Environment Canada is predicting a very hot and humid summer for Montreal and southern Quebec. Hot and dry weather expected across the Prairies, may exasperate the western wildfire situation, leading to more hazy and smokey days as well for our region. (ECCC)

HOT SUMMER ON TAP

Environment and Climate Change Canada has released the national forecast for summer 2025. It is simple, above normal temperatures for nearly all of us from June through August and likely persisting into the fall. Here in Montreal, we are expecting a hot and humid summer, with frequent thunderstorm activity. Northing new to see here, as this is quickly becoming the norm for southwestern Quebec of late.

One final note, Tuesday's quick moving thunderstorms dropped around 10mm on Montreal, brining the monthly total to 11.6mm. The same storms produced a small tornado in upstate New York, near Beekmantown, just north of Plattsburgh. The late afternoon EF-0 storm with winds of up to 120km/h, produced only minor damage. 

Air quality slowly improving in southern Quebec

Smoke from wildfires burning across northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, produced some of the worst air quality on the planet in Montreal on both Friday and Saturday. Conditions began to improve on Sunday, and that trend should continue early in the week, with southwest winds and showers expected to"scrub" the air.

On Friday, southern Quebec and Ontario had some of the worst air quality among major cities on the planet. The hazy, smokey skies were created by high altitude smoke from the western Canadian wildfire, being driven closer to the surface on north winds. The result was a thick haze filtering out the sun and making it difficult on the eyes and respiratory systems. Air quality advisories were in effect for all our regions from Friday into Sunday morning before being lifted.

By no means is the air perfect Monday morning, with readings in Toronto and Montreal just under the unhealthy level on the air quality index at 94 and 93 respectively. That ranks the two cities 14th and 15th in the world Monday morning. Conditions should further improve late Monday as a warm front lifts north into the St. Lawrence Valley, accompanied by showers and southwest winds.

On Tuesday a cold front will generate showers and thunderstorms, with up to 10mm of rain possible. We need the moisture. To date, Montreal has only received 1.2mm of rain in June. The dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires in the province, with SOPFEU reporting our region as extreme for fire risk. Outdoor burning should not be done under any circumstance in southwestern Quebec, until we receive some moisture. Conditions are expected to improve this week with the forecasted rainfall.

Temperatures this week will be seasonable, with daytime highs in the low to mid 20s and overnight lows in the middle teens. Unsettled weather, with showers and thunderstorms are likely from Monday afternoon into late Tuesday. By mid week, high pressure is expected to build into southern Quebec with plenty of sunshine to end the work week.

Western wildfire smoke drifts into southern Quebec

Filtered sunshine in Montreal due to western Canadian wildfire smoke has resulted in air quality advisories for southern Quebec. (Valley Weather)

A special air quality statement has been issued by Environment Canada regarding the western Canadian wildfire smoke that has drifted into eastern Ontario and southern Quebec on Friday morning. The smoke was present at higher altitudes earlier in the week, but has worked its way down to the surface currently, creating moderately poor air quality. 

Visibility is under 5km in Montreal at 8am, with widespread smoke and haze. There is definitely a smell of fire in the air Friday morning. The smoke and haze should remain through most of the day on light north and northeast winds, as the Montreal region lies to the north of a warm front over southern New England. The day will be hazy and warm, with a high of 25C (77F).

Environment Canada is advising residents to limit or reschedule outdoor activities until the air quality improves. 

Overnight, humidity levels will be on the rise as the warm front nears our region. Overnight lows will be very mild in the upper teens. On Saturday, we can expect another warm, and humid day, with haze and perhaps an isolated afternoon shower or thunderstorm, with a high of 27C (80F).

High pressure will nudge into the region on Sunday, with clearing skies and a warm high of 24C (76F). It should be one of the best weekend weather days we have had so far this year.

Over 60 Quebec firefighters and support staff left earlier this week to help the province of Manitoba battle widespread wildfires. The smoke form those fires arrived in southern Quebec Friday morning. (SOPFEU Photo)

The fires in Manitoba have forced the evacuations of thousands of residents form the central and northern part of that province, including the community of Flin Flon. There have been 111 fires in Manitoba so far in 2025, above the long-term average of 89. Thousands of hectares have burned, along with many structures. sadly there have been to fatalities.

Help as arrived from other Canadian provinces and the US, including 60 firefighters and personal from Quebec. A state of emergency is also in effect in Saskatchewan. The spring has been dry and warm in many locations, and while some rain and cooler temperatures are possible in the short-term, forecasters are expecting a hot dry summer for a large part of western Canada.

Summer weather finally returning to southern Quebec

That was one miserable weather weekend in Montreal, with a cold rain, gusty northwest winds and high temperatures in the low teens. Thankfully high pressure will build into southern Quebec for the upcoming week, with clearing skies and rapidly warming temperatures. By Wednesday, we may see our first 32C (90F) high temperature of the year in Montreal.

After an unseasonable cold and windy weekend, summer will quickly return this week to Montreal. Sunday was downright cold. The high in Montreal was only 13.1C (55F), well-below the normal high of 22C (72F), and just 0.8 degrees warmer than the all-time record low maximum for the date of 12.2C (54F) set back in 2003. Add in a gusty northwest wind, at times close to 60km/h and occasional showers and the day was just miserable, often feeling like the middle single digits.

Nobody could blame you for thinking that spring is getting off to a poor start. The data backs it up. In May, rain fell on 22 of 31 days. That amounted to 118.2mm, above the long-term average of 85.6mm for Montreal. Some form of precipitation has fallen on 12 of the last 14 weekends in Montreal. dating back to March 1st. Believe it or not, the May average temperature was actually very close to normal at 19C (66F). We can thank a few mild nights for shifting of the data.

SUMMER WARMTH

Now for the good news. High pressure is building into the region Monday morning and should prevail into early Thursday. Skies are already clearing out and we can expect sunshine through midweek. The result will be dry air finally, along with rapidly warming temperatures. Monday will see a high of 20C (68F), followed by a very summery 28C (83F) for Tuesday, and hot by Wednesday, with a near-record high of 32C (90F) possible. Overnight lows will start off cool, but warm as well to a muggy 21C (70F) by Wednesday. The only glitch in the weather will be the arrival of some high altitude smoke from the western Canadian wildfires. This will reduce the air quality a touch and provide hazy sunshine by Wednesday over much of southern Quebec and Ontario.

By Thursday, humidity levels will be on the rise ahead of a cold front arriving from the northwest. Showers and thunderstorms will be possible, continuing into Friday. Unfortunately, low pressure travelling along the front may prolong those showers into Saturday once again. The hope is skies should clear out late in the day, providing us with a sunny and seasonably warm Sunday.

Another dreary Saturday on tap for Montreal

A pop-up thunderstorm moves into the Montreal burrough of Saint-Laurent on the afternoon of Monday, May 26. The storm produced torrential rain, hail and lighting. Fortunately the cell was fast moving and as a result the impacts were minimal. Monday was the 11th consecutive day with measurable precipitation at Trudeau Airport. (Valley Weather)

Wednesday may have been the nicest day in May. Widespread sunshine allowed the temperature to rise to 27.4C (81F) at Trudeau Airport in Montreal. It was a rare moment in what has become a dull and wet spring. In May to date, 111.2mm of rain has fallen, that included precipitation on 11 consecutive days up to and including this past Monday. It has rained on 19 of the 28 days so far this month.

On Monday, some decent isolated, pop up thunderstorms put down heavy rain, lots of lightning and even some small hail during the afternoon hours. All the moisture has had at least a positive impact on the fire season in southern Quebec. There are only three active fires in the province at this time. Such is not the case elsewhere in Canada where massive wildfires have resulted in evacuations across parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The trend of unsettled weekend weather across southern Quebec will continue as we head into June. A weak warm front will lift north on Thursday, introducing some humid air. Spotty showers are possible into Friday. On Saturday, another unseasonably strong Nor'Easter will move north into New England, with abundant Atlantic moisture. At this time, it appears that Montreal and the Ottawa Valley will remain on the western edge of the storm. While heavy rain is expected in Vermont and the Eastern Townships on Saturday, Montreal should only have scattered showers and gusty northeast winds. Sunday should be partly cloudy, with perhaps a shower or two and milder temperatures.

Highs from Thursday into Sunday will drop into the upper teens from Wednesday's summer warmth. Lows will be in the lower teens. Briefly looking ahead to next week, we can expect warmer, but also a more humid airmass to arrive. As a result showers and thunderstorms will remain a real possibility in the St. Lawrence Valley.

Late season nor'easter to bring gusty winds and a cold rain to Montreal

It has been a dull and dismal weather week across Sothern Quebec, with frequent rain, chilly north or northeast winds and low temperatures.

Heat and sweaters have replaced shorts and air conditioners this week across southern Quebec as unseasonable cold air remains stalled over the region along with clouds and occasional rain. 

A late season nor'easter is strengthening off the middle Atlantic coast on Thursday, set to move northeast towards Cape Cod. The storm combined with low pressure spinning over the Great Lakes, will maintain the dismal weather Montreal has been experiencing this week. All across southern Ontario and Quebec, grey skies, occasional showers and a relentless cold north wind have been making May feel more like late March.

Nor'easters are strong ocean storms that develop along the eastern seaboard, and usually bring Montreal some of our larger snowstorms. They are more common during the colder months as opposed to May.

For the near-term, we can expect three more days of showers, along with gusty northeast winds up to 50km/h. Daytime highs will struggle to reach 12C (54F) with cold overnight lows in the 5C to 7C (40 to 45F) range. The normal high should be 21C (70F). The gusty winds will make it feel even colder outdoors.

It could be worse. Closer to the storm center along the southern New England Coast and into Atlantic Canada, heavy rain will fall, with up to 75mm possible. Winds may gust over 90km/h, producing some coastal flooding. Temperatures are so cold, that some of the highest elevations of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine into the Beauce region southeastern Quebec may see some snow accumulate during the overnight hours.

Conditions will try to improve on Sunday. We may see some clearing and slightly warmer temperatures. Unfortunately long-term trends continue to show wet weather to end the month. To date 77.4mm of rain has fallen this month. Since January 1st, some form of precipitation has fallen on just about every weekend, with the exception of two or three at best. This weekend looks no different at the moment.

Clouds, cool and wet weather to linger in Montreal

A stubborn weather pattern is resulting in dismal weather here in southern Quebec, while producing rounds of severe thunderstorms across the central United States. The damage above occurred with a strong tornado in St. Louis, Missouri on Friday. The storm resulted in significant damage and sadly the loss of 5 lives. The death toll stands at 33 from the weekend storms. (CBS)

Montreal is in the midst of a long stretch of rather dismal weather. It is a very chilly morning in the city, with 8C (48F) here in Ile Perrot. The temperature will not budge today, under persistent clouds and northerly winds, we may see 10C (50F) if we are lucky. Expect a few showers as well.

The forecast does not look good the balance of the week, with a persistent northerly flow of cool, moist air expected. Look for clouds and showers right into next weekend, along with well-below normal temperatures. Daytime highs will rage in the low to middle teens, with overnight lows from 7C to 10C (45-50F). Warm weather is expected to return to southern Quebec for the last week of May.

As far as precipitation is concerned, another 10-20mm of rain is possible by the weekend. I measured 33.2mm here on Ile Perrot since Friday afternoon. The bulk of that occurred during thunderstorms Saturday morning. May is definitely been wet, with 77mm falling as of Sunday at Trudeau Airport, with 69.2mm here on Ile Perrot. 

The culprit has been a strong upper level low slowly drifting from the central Great Lakes Friday into northern New England on Monday morning. The result has been waves of rain and much colder temperatures. In advance of the low, we managed a muggy 29C (85F) on Friday before strong thunderstorms arrived on Saturday. Those storms produced mostly heavy rain here in the Montreal region, with plenty of lightning. Other parts of southern Quebec reported hail and there was flash flooding in Sherbrooke after 50-70mm of rain fell in just a few hours.

A submitted photo to The Weather Network from a resident of Howick, Quebec, showing the potential tornado on Saturday evening. Environment Canada is investigating. (TWN)

South of Montreal near Howick, there was report of a weak tornado around 7:30pm Saturday evening, There was no damage observed, and Environment Canada is investigating to determine the strength of the storm. The strong storms also produced widespread severe weather in Vermont, with flash flooding, downed trees and large hail.

The same weather setup is delivering rounds of severe weather across the central portion of the United States. The weekend death toll stands at 33 from persistent and long lasting tornadoes across several states. The hardest hit region stretched from Missouri to Kentucky. A powerful storm killed 5 in St. Louis on Friday, while London, Kentucky was leveled on Saturday. In Kentucky, 19 deaths have been reported so far, with scores of injuries and widespread damage.

Another round of strong storms is forecast on Monday for parts of the southern plains from Colorado and Kansas into Texas and Oklahoma.

Thunderstorms - cooler weather on tap for Montreal

Day turns to night as a 3000 hectare wildfire burns out of control south of Wendigo Beach in Manitoba on Wednesday. Unseasonably hot weather has fuelled the massive wildfire near Lac Du Bonnet in the eastern part of the province. Some relief is sight as rain and much colder weather arrives late this week. (Photo: Manitoba Hydro)

The warm weather will continue in Montreal for a few more days, with a noticeable increase in humidity levels as we head into Friday. A large upper level low spinning across the northern plain states, will move across the Great Lakes and slowly into Quebec this long Victoria Day holiday weekend.

In advance of the low, a warm southerly fetch of moist air form the Gulf of Mexico will push high temperatures once again into the upper 20s across southern Quebec. On Wednesday, Quebec and New Brunswick were the warmest spots in Canada. Montreal reached 27.4C (82F), the normal high for mid May should be around 20C (68F). Other parts of the region were even warmer, close to 30C. Roberval in central Quebec reached 31C (88F). In New Brunswick, six record highs were established for the date, including 31.8C (89F) at Edmunston.

The warmer more humid air on Friday will lead to the development of widespread afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with some locations receiving as much as 25mm (1 inch) of rain. The moisture will be welcome.

The aforementioned upper level low will result in much colder weather arriving in Montreal by Sunday. After the thunderstorms and warm weather on Friday, Saturday will be a transition day, with rain and windy conditions expected. Highs in the 20s, will drop by Sunday and Monday into the middle teens along with gusty west and northwest winds.

Manitoba Wildfires

The unseasonable heatwave that has been impacting southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan has lead to significant and early start to the wildfire season. The Lac Du Bonnet fire in eastern Manitoba has reached 3000 hectares, one of 24 burning in that province. The fire has resulted in the evacuation of over 1000 residents, destruction of property and sadly two fatalities. The fire has been fuelled by days of record-breaking heat, reaching 37C (100F) at times. Dry weather and strong winds have moved the fires along quickly. Relief is in sight as much colder weather and rain are forecast over the next 48 hours. Unfortunately strong winds are expected as well, gusting up to 80km/h.

Summery weather week ahead for Montreal

Sunshine returned to Montreal on Sunday after 24mm of rain fell Friday and Saturday in the city. The warming temperatures and precipitation have finally allowed the trees to begin leafing out in southwestern Quebec. Unfortunately along with that comes pollen and seasonal allergies.

Skies are clearing Monday morning across southern Quebec, as a weak warm front lifts north of the St. Lawrence Valley. This will set the stage for a very warm week ahead, with temperatures reaching summery levels for the first time this season.

We can expect mostly dry weather through Thursday, but we can't rule out an isolated sprinkle or rumble of thunder, especially mid week. The best change should remain southwest of Montreal over upstate New York and eastern Ontario.

High temperatures will start in the lower 20s Monday, 21C (70F) here in Montreal, and gradually rise into the upper 20's (lower 80s). Overnight lows will remain very mild for early May, in the middle teens.

Unfortunately there will be some changes in the weather by the long Victoria Day weekend. Low pressure will move across the Great Lakes by Friday, with a more humid fetch of air moving northeast from the Gulf of Mexico. This will likely lead to some decent showers and thunderstorms by Friday, persisting into the weekend.

By Saturday, we can also expect some cooler air to move into Montreal on the back side of the aforementioned low pressure, as it moves into central Québec. Temperatures will lower into the upper teens for daytime highs by Sunday.

HEATWAVE

Central portions of the United States from the high plains into extreme southern Manitoba are experiencing an unprecedented early season heatwave. On Sunday, the temperature reached 37.8C (100.4F) at Emerson and Dominion City, Manitoba, shattering the previous record of 30.9C (87F) set just last year. The normal high for early May is only 20C (68F). Another indication that we are seeing some significant early season warming in Canada in recent years. This was one of 9 new temperature records established in the province. Southern Saskatchewan also reported record breaking heat. Heat warnings are in effect again Monday, with another round of mid to upper 30s forecast. Winnipeg is expecting a high of 35C (95F) on Monday.

Flood concerns on the rise across southern Quebec

Several municipalities in southwestern Quebec are monitoring area rives for potential spring flooding. At this time, only minor impacts are expected. If you live in a flood-prone area, remain vigilant. (Valley Weather Photo)

Some rivers in southwestern Quebec have reached minor flood stage, but the threat is relatively low at the time, with any flooding confined to the immediate shoreline and low-lying areas.

Several waterways in the region are being observed for minor flooding as runoff from the upper Ottawa Valley makes it's way into southwestern Quebec. They include the Ottawa, Rigaud, des Milles Iles and des Prairies Rivers.The good news is that it has been a relatively dry spring, void of any big storms. Rain is forecast Friday and Saturday, but the heaviest precipitation should remain over New England.

At this time several municipalities, including Pierrefonds, Senneville and Ile Bizard have started to prepare in the event of flooding. This includes preparing sandbags, pumps, flood gates and temporary muscle walls. The Village of Senneville has moved into Intervention 2 mode. They have made sandbags available to residents and have established a call centre.

Most computer models have the heaviest rain from this weekend's storm remaining over New England. The GFS is forecasting 18mm for Montreal by 1pm Saturday, with more over the Townships. (Ventusky)

In the province, 12 waterways are under surveillance by Sécurité Publique Québec, with 10 additional waterways in minor flood stage. They include the Ottawa and Rigaud Rivers, as well as Lac des Deux Montagnes. In the latter caae, the level is now at 23.37 metres, minor flood stage is reached at 23.30 metres. In all cases, water levels are fairly stable and well below the historic spring flooding in 2017 and 2019.

Developing low pressure Friday east of the middle Atlantic will move along the eastern seaboard into Maritimes over the weekend. A chilly rain and gusty northeast winds will develop in Montreal Friday, with 10-20mm possible by late Saturday. Much heavier accumulations, in the order of 25-50mm (1-2 inches) are likely in the Eastern Townships, with amounts reaching 75mm (3 inches) over Vermont. A flood watch is in effect in southern Vermont.

The good news for our region is that the Ottawa River basin will be on the far western edge of this storm system, with very little precipitation expected in those locations. Additionally, high pressure will build into the region starting Sunday, with warm and dry weather forecast next week through Wednesday. This will allow water levels to stabilize and even lower in most cases.

Remember, if you live in areas prone to river and spring flooding, remain vigilant and listen to what local authorities and municipalities are advising. Many municipal websites have sections dedicated to spring flooding, with information and contact numbers.

Summer warmth on the horizon for Montreal

Like a mountain range in the sky, dark clouds loom on the western horizon Wednesday morning, as an upper level low over Ontario moves into southern Québec. So far most of the chilly weather and heavy rain has remained in eastern and central Ontario. (Valley Weather Photo)

I must admit, I was wrong on the chilly weather forecast so far, as temperatures this week have over performed to this point. Montreal recorded a high of 24C (76F) on Tuesday, as skies cleared from morning rain, and the bulk of the afternoon thunderstorm activity remained to our west over Ontario. An upper level low, part of a larger omega block, has been stuck over the Great Lakes all week. Areas that have been receiving rain, have received quite a bit, in the order of 50mm. Here in Montreal, close to 15mm fell, but it was less than I expected, and temperatures have been warmer.

Radar Wednesday morning showing heavy precipitation from an upper level low spinning over parts of southern Ontario. The bulk of the rain has missed Montreal so far, with only 15.4mm falling so far this month, most of that occurring in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday morning.

As I write, the clouds are playing with the sun, in advance of the low pulling across southern Quebec and dragging a cold front along. Showers, with perhaps a rumble of thunder are likely Wednesday afternoon, before precipitation ends this evening and temperatures fall.

Thursday through Saturday will be partly to mostly cloudy, but fairly dry for southern Quebec. There is a risk of a few spotty showers and temperatures will be much cooler. Morning lows Thursday will drop into the upper single digits, with highs struggling to reach 13C (55F).

The good news is that much warmer, more summer-like weather is on the immediate horizon. High pressure will slowly drift across the region starting Sunday into next week. Highs will be in the lower 20s, Sunday but warming up to 28C (83F) for Monday and Tuesday. Some much needed sunshine is expected.

First Quebec Tornado for 2025

The Northern Tornadoes Project from Western University in London, Ontario finished their survey of damage caused by severe weather on April 29. They determined that outside of straight line winds here in the Montreal region, the first tornado of the season in Quebec occurred north of the St. Lawrence Valley at Saint-Zénon. The EF-1 tornado, capable of winds of up to 165km/h, moved along a 600 metre-wide path for 6.74 kilometres. The storm flattened trees, damaged barns and tore the roof from a home. It was the third tornado reported in Canada so far during this very young severe weather season. Thankfully there have been no injuries reported.

Unsettled, chilly weather week ahead for Montreal

A Hydro-Québec team repairs significant damage to utility lines on May 1st, after last Tuesday's thunderstorms caused widespread power outages across the Montreal region. Rumbles of thunder are possible this Tuesday and Wednesday from a cold upper level low, but outside of perhaps some small hail, no severe weather is expected at this time. (Hydro-Québec Photo)

The weather will not feel like May this week as a series of frontal boundaries and an upper level low combine to bring us a chilly damp week. Monday will be mostly cloudy, but with some breaks of sun, allowing temperatures to reach into the upper teens, perhaps 20C (68F). It will likely be the best weather day of the work week. 

Clouds thicken this afternoon and showers arrive Monday night into Tuesday, along with a few rumbles of thunder. Temperatures will remain mild through Tuesday evening, dropping to 11C (52F) and perhaps reaching 21C (70F) Tuesday. By Wednesday, and upper level low over the Great Lakes will move towards Quebec City, keeping a damp, chilly airmass in place over the St. Lawrence Valley. Temperatures will drop into the lower teens for daytime highs, along with cloud cover and occasional showers. Overnight lows will be in the single digits.

The aforementioned low will slowly drift into Atlantic Canada by the weekend, but may be replaced by another area of low pressure. While the week will not be a complete washout, the weather will certainly not feel very springlike. However as we have seen in the last week or so, it does not take much sunshine to push temperatures up quickly. We can only hope those breaks of sun will be more numerous than the forecast predicts.

Strong thunderstorms cut power to thousands of Quebec homes - injure one

Lightning strikes the ground in Saint Laurent as strong afternoon thunderstorms moved across the Montreal region. An even stronger cell along a cold front produced significant damage and power outages during the evening hours. Wednesday will be the calm after the storm, with a blustery, chilly high of 12C expected. (Valley Weather Photo)

As forecast, a series of strong thunderstorms swept across southern Quebec Tuesday afternoon and evening, producing widespread damage and power outages. It was the second set of storms for the day that occurred between 7:30pm and 9pm that did the most damage. Trees and power lines were knocked down from the central portion of the Island of Montreal north into Laval and southeast including some south shore communities. The West Island and off-island communities to the west were largely spared. 

At the height of the storm, Hydro-Quebec reported nearly 150,000 customers without power. That number is down to 88,000 as of 8am Wednesday morning. This includes nearly 12,000 clients on the island of Montreal. Hydro has over 500 teams repairing the outages, but is indicating that it could take some time to restore power, as there are over 700 induvial breaks in the grid.

The storms delivered wind gusts of 87km/h at Trudeau Airport, but well over 100km/h in other parts of the region, including Laval. Several trees fell on homes and cars, and in one case critically injured a teenager in Ahuntsic, when he became pinned under a fallen tree on Grand-Allee Boulevard.

Highway 19 in Laval at the junction of Highway 440 remains closed do to fallen power lines across the road surface.

Significant damage and minor injuries were reported at the Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital after several windows were shattered by the wind.

The first severe weather of the season also produced damage and power outages in many locations across central and eastern Ontario into upstate New York.

Here on Ile Perrot, the storms missed my location, producing only gusty winds, lightning and around 1mm of rainfall. The weather was very warm and humid on Tuesday, reaching a high of 24.3C (76F) at Trudeau Airport, with 27.1C (80F) here on Ile Perrot. We have however gone form air conditioning to heat in Montreal over the last 12 hours or so, dropping from a high of 18C (65F) at midnight down to 1C (34F) early Wednesday morning. The cold air will remain for 24 hours, with a blustery, chilly high of 12C (54F) Wednesday in Montreal. 

Strong thunderstorms Tuesday evening knocked down trees and power lines, several onto homes and cars, including this one in Laval (Photo via Laval Neighbourhood Watch/Facebook)

Frost Advisory

A frost advisory is in effect through Thursday morning for most of southern Quebec, with morning lows close to the freezing point expected. Clouds will increase Thursday, with another round of showers and thunderstorms forecast by Friday, along with moderating temperatures. 

Moderate risk of strong thunderstorms Tuesday for parts of our region

ECCC map showing the risk level for thunderstorms today in southern and western Québec. (Double click for larger image. Courtesy ECCC)

Environment Canada has a portion of our region under a moderate risk for strong to severe thunderstorms on Tuesday. A warm front has lifted north of Montreal early Tuesday morning, with gusty southwest winds developing, brining in warm and humid air from the central portion of the US. High temperatures will push into the middle and in some cases upper 20s today. Humidex values will rise to near 30C for many. The forecast high for Montreal is 24C (76F), the warmest of the year so far.

This afternoon, a strong cold front will move southeast across Ontario and into Quebec this evening. A wide area of southern Ontario from Windsor to the Nation's Capital is under a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms, including large hail, strong winds and isolated tornadoes.

That risk area extends into western Quebec and the Outaouais. Here in southwestern Quebec we can expect thunderstorms this afternoon. The risk for severe storms here is minor, with the main threat being gusty winds, dangerous lightning and small hail.

The front should clear the region late this evening followed by gusty northwest winds up to 50km/h and rapidly falling temperatures down to 1C (34F).

Wednesday will partly sunny, windy and much colder, with a high of only 12C (52F).

Vote Today! The weather will be perfect in Quebec

Unlike many previous election days, the weather will be perfect on Monday to cast your vote in the 2025 Federal Election. Expect a sunny, warm day in Montreal, with a high close to 20C. (Elections Canada Photo)

Ideal weather in Montreal today to cast your vote in the Federal election.

Strong to severe thunderstorms possible Tuesday afternoon.

Unsettled weather week ahead.

You certainly can't blame the weather for not getting out to vote today, Monday, April 28, Election Day in Canada. We have had some miserable weather during voting days in the past, but such will not be the case today. Strong high pressure has moved into southern Quebec, producing a wide area of sunshine and warm temperatures. The ideal weather will stretch across much of eastern, southern and central Ontario to the west and east into portions of Atlantic Canada. 

In Montreal, look for sunshine, breezy conditions at times, and a warm high of 20C (68F).

A heavy wet snow fell for a few hours on Sunday morning in parts of southern Quebec, with over 10cm reported in Sherbrooke. By afternoon, the warm April sun had sent temperature quickly back into the teens at most locations. Sherbrooke remained chilly, with the fresh snow down, only reaching 5.5C (42F) for a high temperature. (MétéoMédia Image)

Over the weekend, strong low pressure moved across southern Quebec, producing a cold rain Saturday, and in some cases wet snow on Sunday morning. Just enough cold air filtered in behind the storm system to produce several centimetres of wet snow at higher elevations across the lower Laurentians and into the Eastern Townships. Sherbrooke reported and incredible 12cm of snow Sunday morning, falling in just a few hours.

Oddly, even a trace of snow fell at Trudeau Airport, with a Sunday morning low of 2C (36F). But, by the afternoon, the warm April sun had pushed temperature quickly up to 18.5C (66F) for a high in Montreal. Trudeau Airport measured 19.2mm of rain over the weekend, well under the rainfall warning threshold.

We have a very active weather week ahead for eastern Canada. A strong frontal boundary will produce showers and gusty thunderstorms on Tuesday afternoon. Strong southwest winds of up to 60km/h, will drive temperatures into the low and middle 20s on Tuesday. A strong cold front will arrive in the afternoon across Ontario and early evening here in Montreal. There is a chance for some severe thunderstorms for our region, with the main threat being strong winds. An isolated tornado over parts of eastern and central Ontario cannot be ruled out. Temperatures will fall significantly behind the front down into the low single digits by Wednesday morning.

More rain and thunderstorms are possible by late Thursday into next weekend.

Spring slowly arriving across southern Quebec

For the second year in a row, snow fell on the day I was removing my winter tires. Perhaps this was the last snow of the season last Wednesday, April 16, with 1cm reported at Trudeau Airport. Accumulations ranged from 1-3cm across most locations, confined mostly to grassy and cool surfaces. To date 7cm has fallen this April at Trudeau, with 58.2mm of rain. My feeling is that we are now done with the snow until next fall. (Valley Weather)  

The warm weather has been slow to arrive across Southern Quebec this Spring. The grass is slowly showing signs of growth and the buds are appearing on the trees finally. It has been the same across most of the country this April. On this Easter Monday, Montreal dropped below freezing, with scattered frost reported. Snow is falling across portions of northern Ontario around Thunder Bay and Lake Superior, as well as strong storm is expected to drop 10 to 20cm on parts of northwestern Newfoundland.

Here in Montreal, this morning and Sunday's chill were in stark contrast to the warm and dare I say humid conditions on Saturday. Many locations across the region had there warmest day of the year Saturday, with the official high reaching 20.5C (69F) at Trudeau Airport. Some South Shore locations, including Saint Anicet, surpassed the 21C (70F) mark. A windy cold front produced showers and thunderstorms, resulting in Sunday temperatures being as much as 15 degrees colder.

Sunshine will prevail Monday for Montreal, but another frontal boundary associated with low pressure over the Great Lakes, will lift across the St. Lawrence Valley this evening and into the overnight hours. Expect clouds to thicken quickly late Monday, followed by a few hours of rain. The rain will taper to showers early Tuesday morning, followed by clearing. Sunshine returns through Friday morning.

Temperatures will remain close to the long-term average this week, with highs in the middle teens (55F) and morning lows between 3C and 5C (39 to 41F). The work week will be mainly dry after Tuesday, with the next chance for rain and warmer weather arriving by next weekend.

Perfect Monday - but unsettled weather week ahead

High clouds from a late-season Atlantic coastal storm stream northward on Friday evening, making for a spectacular April sunset in the St. Lawrence Valley. (Valley Weather Photo)

April has always been a month of transition and extremes in southern Quebec, as the seasons battle. Ultimately spring will win  out, but it may take a couple of more weeks for that to happen this year.

High pressure will dominate the weather on Monday across southern Québec, with abundant sunshine and warm temperatures into the middle and upper teens. Enjoy today, as the balance of the week looks rather unsettled and cool.

Over the weekend, a late season coastal storm moved along the Atlantic coast, bringing snow to portions of southern and central New England. Montreal was on the extreme northern edge of the system, with clouds on Saturday, and light rain as far north as the south shore. The city remained dry. Sunday was near-perfect, with sunshine an a warm high of 15C (59F). 

April has been a rather cloudy, cool and breezy month to date. Winds have gusted over 30km/h each day, often chilly from the northeast. We have managed 484mm of rain and 6cm of snow as of Sunday. I am hopeful the snow is done for the season, but we may see a few flurries midweek.

Clouds will increase Monday night as a frontal boundary lifts into the St. Lawrence Valley. Showers are likely, and will continue into Tuesday. Temperatures will be mild for the next 24 hours. Strengthening  low pressure will lift northeast towards Quebec City by Wednesday, dragging a cold front across the region.

Look for much colder weather Wednesday and Thursday, with highs only in the single digits and lows near freezing. The front will also produce a mix of rain and snow, with any snow accumulation confined to the highest elevations, especially across the eastern Townships and Green Mountains of Vermont. In Montreal, only a few flurries or wet snow showers are possible.

By Good Friday, skies should clear for the day, along with seasonable temperatures. The good weather will not last as another system is forecast to bring rain for to begin the Easter long weekend.

Late season storm results in dozens of accidents in Montreal

Leftover ice and snow from Tuesday's storm along with cold morning lows resulted in many more accidents on Wednesday morning, including this one in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. (Valley Weather)

I was one of many Montreal motorists surprised by the heavy snow and rapidly dropping temperatures that occurred during the Tuesday evening commute. A stubborn area of low pressure slowly moved along the international border, dragging down unseasonably cold air behind it, and just enough moisture for some decent afternoon snow.

The storm came in two waves. The snow early in the morning was along a cold front. That precipitation largely fell north of Montreal, with just a dusting here in the city. Meanwhile, the bulk of the moisture with the area of low pressure was across the Ottawa Valley. In Ottawa, just under 15cm of snow fell on Tuesday, accompanied by unseasonably cold temperatures and strong winds. 

As the system pulled east, it dragged any leftover moisture across the Montreal region, just in time for the afternoon commute. The snow fell heavy at times, and as temperatures dropped quickly with the loss of daytime heating, ice began to form on elevated surfaces. Gusty winds reduced visibilities in blowing snow.

Rapidly falling temperatures along with bursts of heavy snow, created ideal conditions for ice to form on elevated surfaces during the Tuesday evening commute in Montreal. The result was dozens of accidents and major delays for motorists returning home.

The result was a rash of serious accidents, including one involving at least 20 vehicles that closed the southbound lanes of Highway 13 along and just south of the bridge connecting Laval. Another rash of accidents closed both inbound and outbound lanes of the Mercier Bridge. The closure stranded motorists for hours as First Responders cleaned up the mess. Ontario Provincial Police reported over 40 collisions across their portion of eastern Ontario, including Ottawa and Cornwall.

There were dozens of other accidents reported across the region, many involving single vehicles hitting the ditch. Snowfall accumulations were highly variable, often depending on elevation. The Montreal area had 5-10cm, with 15-30cm falling from Laval north into the Laurentians.

The 6cm of snow that officially fell at Trudeau Airport Tuesday, was enough to push Montreal over the 200cm mark for the season, to 204.9cm (80.7 inches)

Overnight temperatures were very cold, dropping to -8C here on Ile Perrot, into the minus teens north and west of the city. Another round of accidents occurred on very ice roads during the morning commute. The temperature has slowly warmed above freezing Wednesday afternoon, allowing for most of the ice and snow to melt off area roads.

That may have been winters parting shot, as much milder air in now forecast beginning Thursday and persisting to the end of April. May snow, while not impossible, is very rare in Montreal!

Over 20 vehicles were involved in a serious accident on Highway 13 southbound between Laval and Montreal on Tuesday evening. The highway remained closed for several hours while First Responders cleared the scene.
Photo: Association des Pompiers de Laval

Winter's parting shot?

Grey skies and a light dusting of snow are greeting Montreal early Tuesday morning, as low pressure moves along the US border. What could be the last snow of the season today, will accumulate a few centimetres in the city, up to as much as 15cm north and west of Montreal and across parts of the Eastern Townships. (Valley Weather Photo)

Low pressure moving along the International border early Tuesday morning, is spreading a mix of wintry precipitation across southern Quebec. Roads in many cases are slick, so expect slow travel today. Strong west winds behind a cold front early this morning, are dropping temperatures and changing any mixed precipitation to snow, which will persist in various intensities throughout the day.

Light snow is falling Tuesday morning across a wide swath of our area from eastern Ontario into western Quebec and northern New England. Depending on where you are located in the region, you have a dusting up to several centimetres of fresh snow on the ground. The highest elevations of the Eastern Townships and northern Vermont could see up to 25cm of snow by Wednesday morning.

In Montreal, it took most of the overnight hours for temperatures to fall to the freezing point, and snow to begin. Most of the accumulating snow has fallen north and west of Montreal, including Ottawa. Here in Montreal, there is just a dusting on grassy surfaces as well as your car. However snowfall warnings have been issued for Ottawa and parts of eastern Ontario, with 10-15cm expected. Keep this in mind if your travels today take you along Highways 401, 416 or 417.

Drive carefully today, as temperatures are falling and will remain below freezing for the entire day. Any further precipitation will be in the form of snow, with an additional 5cm possible for most locations. Winds will be gusty, out of the northwest 40-60km/h. Our high will actually drop to -4C (25F), and fall further to a vey chilly April low of -8C (18F). On Wednesday, we can expect partly cloudy skies, with a blustery high of 1C (34F). The normal high for mid-April in Montreal should be close to 10C (50F).

Mild and wet weather returns for the weekend, as low pressure moves along the eastern seaboard.

Rainy and chilly weekend forecast for southern Quebec

Quebec Public Security is currently monitoring the flow of several rivers in the Montreal region. Water levels are slowly on the rise in response to a wet start to April, combined with warm temperatures, melting snow and ice. More rain is forecast this weekend. The photo above was taken along the shores of Lake of Two Mountains during the major spring flood of 2019. (West Island Flood Volunteers Photo)

The sun finally broke out on Friday, albeit slightly cooler than Thursday, when south winds pushed temperatures into the upper teens. After a chilly morning low at the freezing point, along with wet snow, I managed a high of 21C (70F) on Ile Perrot Thursday afternoon. Under bright sunshine Friday, we should make it to 10C (50F).

Mixed precipitation late Wednesday, eventually gave way to scattered thunderstorms along with some heavy rain into the morning hours on Thursday. Trudeau Airport reported 24 hour rain totals of 25.4mm, I measured 32.4mm on Ile Perrot. 

All that rain, combined with any remaining snow and ice that is melting, has caused area rivers to be on the rise. Quebec Public Security is currently watching 8 rivers and lakes in the province, most of those in the southwestern corner, including Lake of Two Mountains at Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and the Rivière des Mille Îles at Terrebonne and Deux-Montagnes. Levels are also rising along the Ottawa River from Ottawa to Montreal.

All rivers will be watched closely this week as another wet and windy area of low pressure moves to the south of Montreal. This system will bring steady rain on Saturday, tapering to showers on Sunday. Between 15-25mm of additional rainfall is possible through Sunday.  The weather will be raw and windy this weekend, with temperatures just above the freezing point for many locations. There is a chance of some mixed wet snow or freezing rain at the onset on Saturday, especially for locations north of Montréal and in the Ottawa Valley.

Gusty winds of 30-60km/h are likely for the St. Lawrence Valley.

Another storm will take aim at southern Quebec on Tuesday, with a mix of rain and snow expected. Temperatures will be quite cold to start the work week. 

More rain and freezing rain forecast for southern Quebec

More rounds of freezing rain and rain are forecast for the hard-hit portions of central Ontario. Many residents remain without power, and schools have been closed since Monday. (Hydro One Photo)

A warm front will lift into the St. Lawrence Valley late Wednesday, as low pressure moves into the central Great Lakes. That front will become the focus for mixed precipitation across southern Quebec, followed by a windy and wet cold front on Thursday.

Widespread weather warnings are in effect across portions of Ontario and Quebec and adjacent New York as another storm system takes aim at our region. The system arrives late Wednesday in Montreal, with a burst of snow, followed by a messy mix of freezing rain and rain through midnight. Precipitation will switch over to rain overnight in the immediate St. Lawrence Valley as warm air surges northward. Before the changeover, some regions may receive up to 5cm of wet snow, along with 2 to 4mm of freezing rain.

On Thursday, expect rain, heavy at times, accompanied by thunder, and gusty southwest winds up to 60km/h. Temperatures were cold on Wednesday morning, dropping down to -8C (18F) here on Ile Perrot. The high Wednesday will ne near the freezing point. Temperatures will continue to warm overnight, to a high of 16C (60F) in Montreal on Thursday.

Further north and east, the cold air will linger longer, and those regions are under freezing rain warnings, as is the Ottawa Valley and large portions of eastern Ontario.

In Ontario, many regions that were hit hard by the worst ice storm since 1998, are unfortunately looking at more freezing rain and rain tonight. Strong winds will accompany the precipitation, only exasperating the tree and power line damage. Nearly 215,000 customers remain without power in central Ontario after the severe weekend ice storm dumped over 25mm of freezing rain on the region. There are several municipalities under a state of emergency and schools in the region remain closed.

Briefly looking ahead, we have more unsettled weather expected this weekend, with a mix of rain and snow forecast, Details to follow.

Montreal spared from the worst of the weekend storm

While Montreal was spared the worst of the weekend ice storm, such was not the case across central and eastern Ontario. Above, Hydro One crews clear away debris in an effort to restore power near Barrie, Ontario on Sunday. Nearly a half million customers were without power in Ontario on Sunday. (Hydro One)

Strong low pressure moving along a nearly stationary boundary over the weekend, produced a wide area of wintry precipitation. Montreal and most of our region was spared the worst of the storm. Still the messy mix of freezing rain and snow resulted in numerous accidents, and a long list of power outages north and east of the city. Early Monday morning, Hydro-Quebec is reporting over 75,000 customers without power, the majority of those in the Laurentians and Lanaudière regions where more freezing rain fell.

Here in Montreal, anywhere from 3 to 10cm of snow fell early Saturday from southwest to northeast across the region. Officially, Trudeau Airport reported just over 3cm, while I measured 6cm on Ile Perrot. That was followed by an additional 21.1mm of rain, much of that freezing on power lines and trees. The good news for extreme southern Quebec was that most of the precipitation fell at a slow rate, with melting occurring in between. The lessened the ice accretion on trees and power lines, sparing Montreal from the worst of the storm. 

Such was not the case north of Montreal where the freezing rain continued, at times heavy, into Monday morning. In Ontario, heavy amounts of freezing rain, often accompanied by thunder and lightning, spread from Lake Huron inland across central portions of the province on Friday evening into Saturday. Many regions were hard hit with 25 to 50mm of ice, including Barrie, Peterborough, Goderich and the Muskokas to name a few. Significant damage has occurred to trees and the power grid. As of Monday morning, nearly 400,000 residents remain in the dark. Despite the heroic effort of the utility crews, the damage is severe, and the power may be out for days. Several central Ontario communities have declared a State of Emergency on Monday, closing schools and advising resident to stay off debris filled roads.

Thousands of trees have been damaged or destroyed across Ontario, many falling onto homes and cars. The focus of the ice storm was from northern Michigan, across central Ontario and into central New York State, just southwest of Montreal.

Temperatures will warm quickly on Monday across the entire region, helping to melt the ice, but with an added problem. Gusty southwest winds are forecast across the southern Ontario and Quebec Monday, between 40-60km/h, backing to the northwest tonight behind a strong cold from, 30-50km/h. This will cause additional damage to the weakened and ice loaded trees and power lines across the most hard-hit regions.

Here in Montreal, we can expect a very warm and windy Monday, with a high near 15C (59F). Some showers and perhaps a rumble of thunder are possible. Much colder weather returns tonight and Tuesday, with overnight lows dropping rapidly to -3C (27F). Tuesday will be partly unny, and colder with a high of 4C (39F). 

More stormy weather is on the way for Wednesday, more on that later.

Freezing rain warning for Montreal Sunday

A significant amount of freezing rain is forecast for parts of southern Quebec and eastern Ontario this weekend. Montreal is forecasting up to 10mm of ice accretion, while parts of central and eastern Ontario may see up to 25mm. Travel will be poor and power outages are possible.

Freezing rain warning in effect for Montreal.

A rather impactful spring storm is underway across extreme southwestern Quebec and portions of Ontario and adjacent New York and New England. A frontal boundary to our south has been the focus for areas of snow and freezing rain overnight. Across the Montreal region, several centimetres of snow have fallen, but the heaviest precipitation remains southwest of the city. With that said, roads are still snow covered and slippery this morning, especially southwest of the city on Highways 20/401 to Cornwall and Highway 40/416 to Ottawa. The Ottawa Airport was reporting 0.8km visibility in heavy snow at 4am. Gusty winds are forecast from the northeast 30-50km/h today.

Across portions of central and eastern Ontario, significant amounts of freezing rain fell overnight with power outages increasing in the region. Scattered thunderstorms with freezing rain were even observed. Over 25,000 residents are in the dark, and that number is increasing.

For Saturday, Montreal will remain on the cold northern side of the front, with light snow tapering off by midday. High temperatures will struggle to reach 0C (32F). There will be a break in the precipitation this afternoon, before the front begins to move northward tonight, A surge of unseasonably warm air will move over the cold air at the surface here in the St. Lawrence Valley, producing widespread freezing rain tonight and most of the day Sunday in Montreal. Up to 10mm of freezing rain is possible, resulting in slippery roads and sidewalks, as well as scattered power outages.

The front will eventually move north of Montreal, allowing much warm air to arrive, and changing any remaining precipitation to rain late Sunday into Monday. Highs on Monday will reach 14C (56F). There will be a strong cold front arriving late afternoon, with showers and even a rumble of thunder possible, followed by much colder weather for Tuesday.

Partial solar eclipse visible across eastern Canada Saturday morning

NASA image of a partial solar eclipse at sunrise. The view would be quite similar in Montreal at sunrise Saturday morning, until 7:13AM, if only skies were clear. A strong late season storm is forecast to bring clouds and snow to the region tonight into Saturday. (NASA)

If you live in extreme eastern Canada or the northeastern US, dust off your solar eclipse glasses from last April. A partial solar eclipse will take place at sunrise across eastern Canada on Saturday morning, March 29. The eclipse will be most visible across portions of Northern Quebec and Nunavut, where up to 90 percent of the sun will be shaded by the passing moon. That includes nearly 92 percent in Iqualit. By comparison Montreal will have a maximum of 47 percent with St. John's and Halifax at 83 percent.

Across the remainder of Quebec from the Ontario border east, as well as portions of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Atlantic Canada, the eclipse will range from 8 to 45 percent.

Here in Montreal, stormy weather will likely spoil the celestial view at sunrise. But if skies were clear, the eclipse would begin at 5:29AM, becoming visible with the sunrise around 6:39AM, reaching maximum at 6:42AM and ending by 7:13AM. The visible portion will last approximately 34 minutes here in Montreal, and cover up to 47 percent of the sun. Once again, the weather will likely not be favourable for viewing.

As with any solar eclipse, it is important not to stare directly into the sun. Approved solar eclipse glasses must be worn at all times to view the eclipse or stare directly into the sun at any time. Damage can occur very quickly to your eyes.

If you are fortunate enough to have clear skies at your location, then enjoy the view, have fun and be safe.

Significant ice and snowstorm possible Saturday for Ontario and Quebec

Winter battled back in Montreal this week, with chilly temperatures and plenty of snow showers and squalls. Another round of winter weather is on the way for the upcoming weekend. This weather should not be a surprise to anybody who has lived in Montreal for more than 5 minutes. Late March and April have historically produced some big storms for the city. (Valley Weather Photo)

Special Weather Statement posted for Montreal and Ottawa for a significant late season winter storm this weekend.

High pressure is providing us with a sunny, cool Thursday, after a week of clouds and flurries. Some of the flurries were heavy at times, reducing visibility and glazing roads. With chilly overnight lows at or below freezing, there has been plenty of black ice, resulting in some serious accidents. 

After the sunshine of Thursday, we have a very complex weather scenario setting up for the weekend. Arctic high pressure lies to our north, along with an unseasonably strong Bermuda high to our south. The St. Lawrence Valley will become the battleground between the two airmasses. 

A front will lie just to our south, with low pressure riding along it late Friday and again on Sunday. Heavy precipitation will fall along and to the north of the front. This boundary will separate very warm air, over 21C (70F) surging north into southern New England from sub-zero temperatures, -2C (29F) here in Montreal. Northeast winds will keep surface temperatures below freezing in Montreal into Sunday.

There are lots of details to work out, including the exact location of the front. Some areas in southern Quebec and eastern Ontario can expect heavy snow, followed by a significant amount of freezing rain. Despite the angle of the warming March sun, the April 2023 ice storm taught us the significant damage can still be done from freezing rain in spring.

At this time in excess of 25mm (1 inch) of precipitation is possible for Montréal over the weekend. Some models are showing as much as 50mm. The storm will come at us in all forms from heavy snow Friday and Saturday, to freezing rain and eventually rain on Sunday and Monday.

Plan on difficult travel conditions as well as the potential for tree damage and power outages. Stay tuned for updated forecast and warnings over the next 24 hours. This story will be updated.

Winter strikes back in Montreal

The City of Montreal prematurely started cleaning away winter debris last week, a full two weeks ahead of schedule. Unfortunately Mother Nature has the last laugh Monday morning a more snow fell. And we may not be done with the snow just yet. (Ville de Montreal)

More snow expected this weekend.

The City of Montreal started their spring cleaning last week, a full two weeks ahead of schedule, thanks in part to what Mayor Plante called "climate change". With all do respect to Madame Plante and our warming climate, this is March in Montreal. Anybody who has lived here for more than 5 minutes knows that winter is not really over until around Easter as a rule. Even then, it has snowed in Montreal in May!

Several centimetres of snow surprised commuters early Monday morning, covering roads quickly and resulting in several serious collisions. The snow gradually changed to rain in the afternoon. More snow is on the way for the upcoming weekend. (Valley Weather)

And so it goes, Monday morning, a warm front lifted across the region accompanied by a pretty decent shot of snow. Unfortunately the snow arrived during the morning commute, and resulted in several serious accidents, including one that closed Highway 20 near Les Cedres off the western tip of the island. Montreal provided very little in the way of sanding and salting, so it was up to motorists to navigate snow covered and icy roads. The snow gradually tapered off to showers in the afternoon, but not before depositing a few centimetres and raising the monthly total up to over 10cm. A significantly smaller amount when compared to February for sure, but disruptive nonetheless.

The same weather impacted eastern Ontario on Monday, with a rash of  accidents being reported form Ottawa down to the Seaway Valley.

Many drivers heave already removed their snow tires, something I would not recommend until at least mid-April, despite what the rule reads.

Looking ahead, we have a very unsettled, rather chilly week ahead. Showers will mix with flurries at times Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures in the single digits for highs. High pressure will build into southern Quebec briefly on Thursday, with sunshine and milder temperatures. The active weather will return this weekend, with a stronger storm moving from the Ohio Valley towards southern Quebec. Another period of wet snow and rain is possible, with some accumulations likely. 

Winter is not quite over. Please drive safe.

***On a personal note, I want to thank all my readers, family and friends for your kind words and notes over the loss of my trusted weather companion Bella. It has been a sad week for me as I navigate the new normal without my furry sidekick of 14 years. Read about my Bella HERE.