Frost and fire risk - outdoor burning prohibited across southern Quebec

Extremely dry weather has resulted in extreme wildfire conditions across southern Quebec. As a result SOPFEU has placed an outdoor burn ban in effect for parts of our region. This includes campfires and backyard burning. Rain fell in Montreal on only 7 days in September totalling 33mm, only 36 percent of the normal value. (Valley Weather) 

Frost Advisory in effect for southern Quebec for Thursday morning.

After only 33mm of rain in September and no precipitation in the forecast through next week, an outdoor burn ban has been put in place for large parts of southern and western Quebec, including and the MRC of Vaudreuil/Soulanges. According to SOPFEU, a wide area of southwestern Quebec in under extreme wildfire conditions. Even if you are not under the burn ban, you should refrain from any outdoor fires, this includes metro Montreal.

This means no campfires, or burning of any vegetation, and no fireworks. SOPFEU recommends that you check with your local municipality for specifics on the ban, but emphasize that no outdoor burning should take place. Drought conditions continue to intensify across the entire region, extending into eastern Ontario and northern New England. Burning restrictions are in place for many of those locations as well.

Most of southern and western Quebec is under extreme fire conditions (red) according to SOPFEU. This includes most of metro Montreal. Outdoor fires, including campfires are prohibited in most regions and not advised in metro Montreal. 

Strong high pressure will result in an extended period of low relative humidity, gusty north winds and warm temperatures. The result is very tinder dry vegetation, with the risk of any fire that may occur spreading quickly. No relief is in sight for the dry weather, we need rain desperately.

As the high pressure crests over our region Wednesday night, widespread frost is possible, with low temperatures dropping close to the freezing point for many. The low in metro Montreal will be around 3C (38F). Breezy and cool conditions will be in place Thursday as well, followed by a significant warning trend into the weekend. Daytime highs will approach near record values in Montreal, with highs near 27C (81F) by Sunday and Monday. The record Sunday for Montreal is 28.5C (84F) set in 2023. The normal high for early October is closer to 16C (61F).

The next chance for any precipitation will not come before next Wednesday at the earliest, with a cold front moving into southern Quebec.