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.