Brief warming trend followed by cold weather through the holidays for Montreal

A snowy scene along Sennevile Road late last week. To date 60cm of snow has already fallen at Trudeau Airport since November 1st, and winter has not officially started. A warming trend this week will eat away at the snow pack, but it should be refreshed starting Saturday, as colder air returns. (Valley Weather)

The winter solstice does not occur until December 21st, regardless it certainly has been a cold, snowy stretch of weather for southern Quebec. Monday was another frigid morning, with -15C (5F) at Trudeau Airport, along with windchill values in the minus 20s. The bitterly cold weather will persist for one more day, before a significant, however brief warm up occurs. Enjoy the mild weather, as it appears our region will remain below freezing from Saturday through the end of the month.

It has been the winter of the clipper so far. Another series of weak clipper systems will impact the St. Lawrence valley and parts of Ontario and Quebec this week. On Monday and Tuesday we can expect flurries, with high temperatures in Montreal around -5C (23F).

By Wednesday, another weak area of low pressure is expected to pass north of the city, allowing warmer air to be drawn into our region. Highs are expected above freezing, 3C (38F), with flurries changing to showers.

On Thursday, a stronger low pressure will pass north of Montreal once again, with a steady rain possible. Gusty southwesterly winds will draw in even warmer air, with highs close to 5C (41F). The warm weather will come to abrupt end on Friday, as a strong cold front sweeps across the region. Rain will change to snow, accompanied by strong northwest winds. The timing of the front along with amount of precipitation will be determined at the event draws closer, but expect a difficult driving day for some regions at some point on Friday. Temperatures will fall from daytime highs of 5C (41F) down to -17C (2F) by Saturday morning.

The active, highly changeable weather this week may lead to icy, difficult road conditions at times. If you have travel plans listen for the latest forecasts and updates and for any weather warnings which may be issued later this week.