Cold snowy week for Montreal

Crews have been kept busy across southern Quebec, with snow falling each day so far this month. As of Wednesday morning, between 10 and 15cm has fallen across the Montreal region, with more east and southeast of the city. Another 5-10cm of likely over the next 24 hours, along with gusty west winds up to 50km/h and bitter windchills. (Valley Weather Photo)

Frigid air has settled over southern Quebec on Wednesday as stubborn low pressure northeast of the region draws down cold air. The upper low is also producing gusty northwest winds and occasional snow. Close to 5cm fell on the Montreal area on Tuesday, and another 5 to 10cm is likely over the next 24 hours. Blowing and drifting snow can be expected as well, due to the strong northwest winds.

The snow and very cold temperatures have left roads very slippery across the region. Winds have been gusting between 30 and 50km/h at Trudeau Airport, producing wind-chill values as cold as -25C (-13C) in Montreal. Temperatures will struggle to rise today and into the overnight period to around -10C (14F) by Thursday morning. Winds will remain gusty throughout the period, so conditions will be rather uncomfortable outdoors. Cloudy skies will persist on Thursday, along with few flurries. We may see a few peaks of sunshine on Friday, but temperatures will remain at or below normal for January for the foreseeable future.

FIRE & ICE

Winter weather has also been occurring across wide portions of the United States. A new storm this week will deliver snow and freezing rain across the deep south from Texas to the Carolinas. Meanwhile powerful Santa Ana winds have been driving fierce wildfires across the Los Angeles County region of southern California, pushing first responders to the limit. Nearly 1000 dwellings have been destroyed by the raging fires, that are being driven by winds in excess of 160km/h (100 mph). Two main fires, the Palisades and Hurst fires continue out of control on Wednesday. The Palisades alone fire has consumed over 3000 acres and is zero percent contained at this time.

Santa Ana winds have been howling across Southern California, driving fire storms that have destroyed entire neighbourhoods over the last 24 hours. Many fires are burning, stretching the limits of first responders. Fire conditions remain very dangerous Wednesday afternoon across LA County.