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.

Saying goodbye to Bella - my all-weather pup

My beloved all-weather pup, Bella, the little dog with the big heart and attitude to match. She was my world. I will miss her every second of every day.

On a beautiful first day of spring in Montreal, I said goodbye to my beloved pup Bella. At 16, Bella had developed some serious health issues over the last two weeks and let me know her work here was done. It was the most difficult decision I have had to make in my entire life.

Bella came to us from Kiko Dog Rescue in 2011. A misfit of sorts, she was a perfectly imperfect terrier with a heart of gold and the idea that somehow, she was bigger than her 20 pounds. She quickly showed me why,  you see Bella, was a survivor. Born at a puppy mill and passed around to several homes, she had an edge that we softened quickly. I understood her. She understood me. And so forged a relationship that would flourish for 14 strong years. Bella loved me, her greeting every night was epic. Our neighbours knew when I was home. Bella and I shared our space, our time. We had a profound respect for each other, we even shared Chapman's vanilla frozen yogurt.

So why talk about her on my weather blog? Bella was an all-weather dog. We walked daily, often 2-3 times everyday, regardless of the weather. By my count over 14,000 walks in those 14 years. Most of the images you see on this blog were taken with her by my side or in the car with me.

We walked in every type of weather, without fail, heavy snow and rain, warm or cold. Every day. Every season. We both loved fresh snow. Bella loved chasing falling leaves. During the April 2023 ice storm, we walked in darkness during the early morning hours, around downed trees, and cuddled on the couch for warmth as power was out for days. As well we watched countless sunrises and sunsets.

Most recently we viewed the ending stages of the lunar eclipse. Bella was an early riser, motivated by the thought of breakfast after our walk. Followed by some couch time, while I reviewed the different forecast discussions and commuter weather models.

Bella and I visited the historic weather office in Hatteras, North Carolina on the Outer Banks in September 2018. (ValleyWeather Photo)

Bella even accompanied me to one of the first weather offices on the Eastern Seaboard when we visited Cape Hatteras, North Carolina in September 2018, just after hurricane Florence. Our trip was almost cancelled due to the storm, but in the end the barrier islands were reopened just in time.

Bella never failed me. Her love was pure and unconditional. She knew me, I knew her. Eagerly she would wait at the door every morning, even in her final days. Today, Friday, March 21, there was no walk for the first time in 14 years. Bella thought I had all the answers. I thought she did. I had no answer for this. The grief is deep. My heart is broken. They say time heals, we shall see.

Late season winter storm brings tornadoes, blizzards, flooding and record warmth

A Missouri State Highway Patrol Police cruiser illuminates the immediate aftermath of a powerful tornado, still visible in the background, near Bakersfield, Missouri. Three fatalities were reported form this storm, with 35 across the US from dozens of tornadoes since Friday evening. The same system produced record warmth in southern Ontario and Quebec. (Missouri State Highway Patrol Photo)

A powerful late season winter storm is lifting into the Great Lakes on Sunday afternoon, dragging a potent cold front across eastern Ontario and eventually southwestern Quebec. The storm has been responsible for numerous fatalities as it moved northward. A wide range of weather has accompanied the storm, from dust storms and hurricane force winds, to wildfires, tornadoes, flash flooding and even heavy snow along the western edge.

The heavy snow and strong winds are impacting parts of central Ontario on Sunday. Meanwhile here in southern Quebec, record warmth has spread into the region. On Saturday, Montreal reached 17.3C (63F), shattering the 1913 record for the date of 12.8C (55F). So far on Sunday, we have tied the 2010 record, currently at 13.1C at Trudeau Airport. The hot spot in the Quebec on Saturday was 19.4C (67F) at Beauceville.

South of the border, an intense outbreak of severe weather resulted in dozens of tornadoes across several states from Missouri to Pennsylvania and south to the Gulf Coast. Nearly 35 deaths occurred from the tornados, with a least a dozen more form major car accidents as a result of blowing dust in Texas and Kansas. Damage is complete in many small communities form powerful tornadoes, including Bakersfield, Missouri, Diaz and Cave City in Arkansas.

In our region, the very warm temperatures, melting snow and ice along with today's rainfall, is raising concern for river flooding. Several rivers in the region are on the rise and being watched closely.

There is a risk of a few showers and thunderstorms Sunday afternoon in southern Quebec, along with gusty winds up to 60km/h. The cold front will clear the region overnight, setting us up for clearing skies on Monday, along with more seasonable temperatures. The high is forecast to be only 2C (35F). Monday night will be quite chilly, dropping own to -8C (18F). The middle portion of the week will see mild temperatures return, along with showers.

Lunar Eclipse visible in Montreal Friday morning

A spectacular lunar eclipse of the full worm moon will take place in the pre-dawn hours on Friday morning. The eclipse will be visible across North America as well as other parts of the globe. The weather looks perfect for viewing here in Montreal. (Photo: Fred Espenak, NASA)

A total lunar eclipse will take place in the wee hours of Friday morning, visible across all of North America, including here in Montreal. The eclipse begins just prior to midnight Thursday at 11:57PM, reaching maximum totality at 2:58AM Friday morning, and ending completely by 6AM, lasting a total of 6 hours and 3 minutes.

Totality will occur between 2:26AM and 3:31AM.

The eclipse of the full worm moon will occur as the earth passes between the sun and the moon. The moon will take on a reddish copper hue, often referred to as a blood moon. The weather for the event will be near-perfect in Montreal and across southern Québec and eastern Ontario, with clear skies, light winds, and a temperature around -4C (26F) expected.

Unlike a solar eclipse, there is no zero-danger in watching the lunar event. Dress warmly, grab your camera, tripod or binoculars and enjoy the celestial show.

The next total lunar eclipse will be on March 3, 2026.

After record warmth - a flash freeze for Montreal

The weather this March has been highly variable, typical of the first month of spring as the air masses battle it out. Temperatures have swung wildly, with a mix of rain and snow. To date 8.6cm of snow has fallen at Trudeau Airport, along with  8.2mm of rain. After the sharp cold of Tuesday night and Wednesday, very warm air will return for the weekend along with rain. (Valley Weather Photo)

Flash freeze warning posted for southern Quebec Tuesday evening 

Temperatures soared into the low teens in Montreal on Tuesday, on strong and gusty south winds between 30 and 50km/h. The high reached 15C (59F) on Ile Perrot, slightly lower at Trudeau Airport, with 12C (54F). The record for the date was 11.8C (53F), set in 2021. Clouds have been on the increase all afternoon, as a strong cold front is moving east across Ontario towards Montreal.

A flash freeze warning has been issued for southern Quebec, with temperatures expected to fall rapidly behind the front. Winds are forecast to back to the west, and gust between 40 and 60km/h Tuesday evening. Showers will develop along the front and briefly mix with wet snow before ending by midnight. Any standing water will freeze as temperatures fall below freezing, down to -11C (12F) by morning. Windchill values will approach -18C (0F), a nearly forty degree plunge from Tuesday afternoon's high temperatures.

Wednesday will be blustery and chilly, with highs near -3C (27F). The good news is that the cold snap will be short-lived, as very warm temperatures along with rain return by the weekend. However, the threat for flooding will be on the rise as ice and snow across the region begin to melt quickly.

Chilly, windy weekend for Montreal - warmer weather returns next week

Frozen in Time!
Several vehicles remain parked along Dr. Frederik-Philips in Saint-Laurent, seemingly frozen in time. Huge mountains of snow remain in parking lots around the city. A thaw began this week as temperatures warmed well-above freezing for several days, accompanied by rain. Officially Trudeau Airport is reporting only 4cm of snow left on the ground, unofficially I have several of feet left in my back yard! (Valley Weather Photo)

Spring forward Sunday morning at 2AM, as Daylight Saving Time returns to most of North America.

Montreal had a brief taste of spring this week, accompanied by mild temperatures and rain. Monday, was the coldest morning of the winter in Montreal at -22C (-8F), followed just as quickly by the warmest high of the year to date on Wednesday, when the mercury rose to 8.7C (48F). A period of wet snow late Monday quickly transitioned to rain before a strong cold front arrived late Thursday. Amounts were lighter than forecast with 5.4cm of snow so far this month, and 8.2mm of rain.

The bulk of the moisture remained to our west as a powerful late winter storm moved from Colorado to the Great Lakes. Blizzard conditions spread from Iowa into western Ontario, with severe weather and tornadoes on the warm side of the storm from Texas to Ohio. Rain and very warm temperatures rose the risk of river flooding across New England.

Late Thursday, temperatures fell rapidly, along with a centimetre or two of snow, as a strong cold front pushed across the region. High pressure will briefly build into southern Quebec Friday morning, but the weather will remain unsettled through the upcoming weekend. A series of weak disturbances in the upper atmosphere will produce clouds and occasional flurries from late Friday through late Sunday. Winds will be gusty, up to 60km/h today and Saturday. Temperatures will be below normal for the weekend, remaining below freezing, but will warm significantly next week, with more rain possible.

At this time, no major storms or on the horizon, along with a general warming trend. Could this finally be the end of winter! Time will tell.

Warmer, rainy weather returns this week to Montreal

Roads were slick on Ile Perrot early Saturday morning after 9cm of snow fell overnight at my home. Amounts ranged from 8 to 15cm across southern Quebec, but oddly only 5cm officially at Trudeau Airport, just 25km northeast of my location. Strong winds gusted over 50km/h Saturday afternoon and Sunday producing areas of blowing snow, cold windchills and slippery road conditions. Much warmer weather returns this week, along with rain. (Valley Weather Photo) 

Special Weather Statement posted for southern Quebec for heavy rain midweek.

Monday morning was the coldest of the winter so far at Trudeau Airport, with the temperature dropping to -22C (-8F). This should stand as the coldest for the season, with milder air returning this week, and no polar air in sight through March. Spring is really just around the corner!

For the short-term, we are looking at a chilly Monday, but not as cold as Sunday's . Winds will be much lighter, and the warm March sun will help temperatures climb from the deep freeze up to -5C (23F). The balance of the week will be unsettled to say the least. Clouds will increase Monday night ahead of a warm front lifting across the Ohio valley and Great Lakes.

Strengthening low pressure will move from the southern US plains towards the Ottawa Valley by midweek, pushing a warm and increasingly moist airmass over southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. The result will be a moderate round of precipitation, starting as snow late Tuesday in Montreal, but changing over to rain by Wednesday morning. There may be some brief freezing rain in the transition, but any ice accretion would be minimal.

The bigger concern will be the 15-25mm of rain expected on Wednesday and Thursday, as temperatures soar above freezing to 6C (43F). With frozen ground, ice covered rivers and mounds of deep snow around, flooding is a possibility. Make certain any drains, sewers and downspouts are clear of snow and debris.

Over the weekend an additional 10-15cm of new snow fell across the region, officially 6cm at Trudeau Airport, but I measured 9cm on Ile Perrot.

Behind the storm on Friday, we can expect colder weather, with a high of -1C (30F), along with scattered flurries and gusty winds.

A look back over 50 years: The Montreal Blizzard of 1971

MARCH 3-5, 1971: 47cm of snow, 110km/h winds, 17 hours of blizzard conditions in Montreal. 

Click below for the full story, interviews, photos and memories.

Today marks the 54th Anniversary of the storm of the century in Montreal. A fierce blizzard brought Montreal to a standstill for several days. You can read the full story HERE.

The streets were clogged with deep snow for days. Power was out to tens of thousands across the province. It was a true storm.
Photos from Radio Canada & Montreal Archives.