Stormy weather pattern expected to continue for Montreal through February

With some amount of snow falling in Montreal on 28 of 31 days in January, and 7 of 9 days so far in February, the region has experienced several challenging driving days. Add in gusty winds and areas of blowing snow, and the result has been long commute times, closed roads and several serious accidents. Sadly more snow is in the forecast. (Valley Weather)

A fast-moving winter storm delivered a swath of heavy snow Saturday afternoon and evening across southwestern Ontario into New York and New England, remaining just south of Montreal. Southern Quebec experienced a period of light snow, with just a couple of centimetres for most locations.

This continued the pattern of wintry weather that has resulted in nearly 20cm of snow since the start of the month in Montreal. We have had numerous difficult driving days in the region, with poor road conditions and several serious accidents. Highway 15 on the South Shore in Brossard and La Prairie was closed Friday due to blowing snow and poor visibility. On Thursday, at least three separate accidents involving more than 50 cars, closed sections of Highway 10 near Rougemont.

Unfortunately the snowy trend is expected to persist. As early a Sunday evening, a cold front will sweep southeast across the St. Lawrence Valley, accompanied by some heavier snow showers. Colder air arrives Monday as brief high pressure builds over the region. Highs will be near -8C with lows down to -10C.

The fair weather will be short-lived, with another front producing snow showers and potential squalls on Tuesday. Wednesday will be a calm day before our next potential significant storm arrives on Thursday. Low pressure is expected to lift northeast from Louisiana into upstate New York. The system is expected to pass close to Montreal, and depending on the final track, we could be looking at 15-20cm of snow during the day Thursday.

Another break in the weather is expected Friday into Saturday before yet another significant storm develops and moves along the New England coast. This could produce another major snowfall for the region.

Keep in mind that with most storm systems that impact the St. Lawrence Valley and Montreal, the final track determines all. A difference in as a little as 100 kilometres, such as with Saturday nights storm, can mean just a dusting versus a major snowstorm. The devil is in the details and we will need to wait until the event draws closer to determine a more precise track and final snow amounts for the city.

One thing seems certain, throughout the forecast period, we expect temperatures to remain below freezing, so any precipitation would most likely be in the form of snow or perhaps a mix along the US border.