Much needed break from the heat and humidity for Montreal

Thursday's strong thunderstorms approach the Island of Montreal off Lake of Two Mountains during the late afternoon. (Valley Weather Photo)

A fresh and cool air mass has descended upon Montreal Friday morning, a welcome relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of the past week. We had one more steamy day on Thursday, with a high of 30.6C (87F) in Montreal. It was the third 30C plus day in a row and 7th this month. Many of those days have had elevated dew points and humidex readings near 40C. So far this summer, Montreal has recorded 12 days warmer than 30C (86F), with 6 days just under at 29C (85F).

A strong cold front swept across the southern portion of the province, producing waves of heavy thunderstorms. Thankfully the storms were fast moving, and that managed to limit the flood potential, at least in Montreal. Trudeau Airport measured 26mm, bringing the monthly total to a very wet 135.2mm. Strong winds accompanied the storms as well, with a gust to 74km/h at Trudeau and 89km/h at Saint-Hubert.

A flooded delivery car on a highway near Quebec City Thursday afternoon. An image all too familiar to Montrealers. Between 75 and 85mm of rain fell on the provincial capital in under two hours causing significant flash flooding. (TWN)

While we escaped the flooding this time, Quebec City did not. Both Levis and Sainte-Foy reported significant flash flooding after 75-85mm of rain fell in under two hours. Roads were inundated with many water rescues taking place. Many homes and businesses sustained significant flooding as well. 

The good news is that we are in for a cooler stretch of weather. After a refreshing morning low of 15C (59F) on Ile Perrot, we can expect daytime highs around 24C (76F). Saturday ooks perfect as well, with sunny skies, low humidity and a high of 25C (77F).

Low pressure will skirt along the international border for Sunday, with light rain forecast, perhaps around 10-15mm. Next week will start off cool and dry, before the heat builds again for the second half of the week.