Frost advisory for southern Quebec - drought lingers

FALL RETURNS: The record heat in Montreal Sunday and Monday, came to a quick end on Tuesday as a strong cold front crossed the Montreal region. Temperatures dropped to more seasonable values along with the first rain for October, 19mm in Montreal. Temperatures dropped form the record high of 29C (85F) Monday, to 22C (72F) Tuesday, and 17C (63F) Wednesday. Frost is likely Thursday night. (Valley Weather Photo)

Frost Advisory for Montreal

What may have been our last really warm weather of the season came to an abrupt end Tuesday along a strong cold front. That front brought the first rain for the month of October to Montreal, with a general 15-20mm falling across southern Quebec. For the short-term, the ban on open fires has been lifted for the Montreal region, but it remains in effect for other parts of western Quebec. The wildfire risk remains extreme for many, with much more rainfall needed to alleviate the drought conditions and tinder dry forests. If at all possible, just avoid any campfires, fire pits or fireworks all together.

There is no rain in the forecast through at least Sunday. The cooler temperatures that have settled into our region will allow for some frost to develop by Friday morning. A frost advisory is in effect. While Thursday morning was chilly, with lows close to the freezing point, gusty northwest winds kept the risk for frost minimal in the city.

Thursday will be a sunny, cool day, with highs only reaching the low teens. Overnight into Friday, clear skies and calm winds will allow for lows close to 0C (32F) and perhaps our first real frost for most of the region around metro Montreal.

High pressure will be in control of our weather through Sunday, with fair weather and moderating temperatures, into the upper teens for highs and upper single digits for lows. Some shoers may develop Thanksgiving Monday on the far northern edge of a strong Nor'easter coastal storm. That storm is expected to produce very heavy rainfall, strong winds up to 100km/h and pounding surf along the middle Atlantic and northeast coastlines. Montreal may see some clouds and showers along the extreme northern edge of the storm.

A home falls into the Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina. The Outer Banks have been pounded by serval major storms this year, with another forecast this weekend. (National Park Service Photo)

First Nor'easter of the fall season

For those of you who read my blog and a regular basis, you will know that I vacation often on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, specifically Hatteras Island. That region has been taking a beating this summer, with several major hurricanes passing well offshore but delivering towering waves and surf. The result has been significant beach erosion, with infrastructure, roads and homes falling victim to the Atlantic Ocean. Just last week, at least 9 homes fell into the surf in Buxton and Rodanthe. 

The news of another significant coastal storm on the heels of hurricanes Humberto and Imelda is not welcome for the residents and tourists of the region. According to the National Park Service that manages the beaches, the value of the homes alone lost last week alone was placed at more than $5 million dollars, with  a very costly cleanup underway.