Mild weather week followed by a significant pattern change for southern Quebec

Milder weather this past week has melted away most of the 25cm of snow that has fallen in Montreal this November. Much colder air along with more significant snow is possible by the first week of December. (Valley Weather)

We have a mild Monday morning in Montreal, but not without a few icy spots after Sunday's wet snow. On Sunday, another 1 to 2cm of snow fell on the city, bringing the monthly total to over 25cm. Last November we had none. The trend for snowy weather will return, but not until the first few days of December. Until then, we can expect a very mild week, with periods of light rain at times through Thursday. Skies will be mostly cloudy, but temperatures will be mild, with daytime highs between 3C and 7C (38F-45F) and overnight lows near the freezing point.

On Thursday, a strong cold front will will move across Ontario and Quebec, introducing the pattern change I mentioned in the title. Thursday will be very windy. Strong northwest winds behind the cold front may gust up to 70km/h across parts of Ontario and Quebec. That wind will deliver colder air to our region. Temperatures will drop to or below the freezing point. Those gusty winds will also turn on the Great Lakes snow machine, with winter storm watches already in effect for parts of central Ontario as well as western New York. They are being issued early in anticipation of the big travel period associated with the American Thanksgiving holiday.

For our region, only flurries are expected on Thursday and Friday, with perhaps a little more snow as you head down Highway 401 towards Brockville and Kington.

Much colder air and the chance for some significant snow are possible for the first week of December in Montreal, as a much more winter-like pattern begins to evolve. High temperatures are expected to be below freezing by the middle of next week and remain there for the foreseeable future.