Freezing rain warning for Montreal Sunday

A significant amount of freezing rain is forecast for parts of southern Quebec and eastern Ontario this weekend. Montreal is forecasting up to 10mm of ice accretion, while parts of central and eastern Ontario may see up to 25mm. Travel will be poor and power outages are possible.

Freezing rain warning in effect for Montreal.

A rather impactful spring storm is underway across extreme southwestern Quebec and portions of Ontario and adjacent New York and New England. A frontal boundary to our south has been the focus for areas of snow and freezing rain overnight. Across the Montreal region, several centimetres of snow have fallen, but the heaviest precipitation remains southwest of the city. With that said, roads are still snow covered and slippery this morning, especially southwest of the city on Highways 20/401 to Cornwall and Highway 40/416 to Ottawa. The Ottawa Airport was reporting 0.8km visibility in heavy snow at 4am. Gusty winds are forecast from the northeast 30-50km/h today.

Across portions of central and eastern Ontario, significant amounts of freezing rain fell overnight with power outages increasing in the region. Scattered thunderstorms with freezing rain were even observed. Over 25,000 residents are in the dark, and that number is increasing.

For Saturday, Montreal will remain on the cold northern side of the front, with light snow tapering off by midday. High temperatures will struggle to reach 0C (32F). There will be a break in the precipitation this afternoon, before the front begins to move northward tonight, A surge of unseasonably warm air will move over the cold air at the surface here in the St. Lawrence Valley, producing widespread freezing rain tonight and most of the day Sunday in Montreal. Up to 10mm of freezing rain is possible, resulting in slippery roads and sidewalks, as well as scattered power outages.

The front will eventually move north of Montreal, allowing much warm air to arrive, and changing any remaining precipitation to rain late Sunday into Monday. Highs on Monday will reach 14C (56F). There will be a strong cold front arriving late afternoon, with showers and even a rumble of thunder possible, followed by much colder weather for Tuesday.

Partial solar eclipse visible across eastern Canada Saturday morning

NASA image of a partial solar eclipse at sunrise. The view would be quite similar in Montreal at sunrise Saturday morning, until 7:13AM, if only skies were clear. A strong late season storm is forecast to bring clouds and snow to the region tonight into Saturday. (NASA)

If you live in extreme eastern Canada or the northeastern US, dust off your solar eclipse glasses from last April. A partial solar eclipse will take place at sunrise across eastern Canada on Saturday morning, March 29. The eclipse will be most visible across portions of Northern Quebec and Nunavut, where up to 90 percent of the sun will be shaded by the passing moon. That includes nearly 92 percent in Iqualit. By comparison Montreal will have a maximum of 47 percent with St. John's and Halifax at 83 percent.

Across the remainder of Quebec from the Ontario border east, as well as portions of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Atlantic Canada, the eclipse will range from 8 to 45 percent.

Here in Montreal, stormy weather will likely spoil the celestial view at sunrise. But if skies were clear, the eclipse would begin at 5:29AM, becoming visible with the sunrise around 6:39AM, reaching maximum at 6:42AM and ending by 7:13AM. The visible portion will last approximately 34 minutes here in Montreal, and cover up to 47 percent of the sun. Once again, the weather will likely not be favourable for viewing.

As with any solar eclipse, it is important not to stare directly into the sun. Approved solar eclipse glasses must be worn at all times to view the eclipse or stare directly into the sun at any time. Damage can occur very quickly to your eyes.

If you are fortunate enough to have clear skies at your location, then enjoy the view, have fun and be safe.

Significant ice and snowstorm possible Saturday for Ontario and Quebec

Winter battled back in Montreal this week, with chilly temperatures and plenty of snow showers and squalls. Another round of winter weather is on the way for the upcoming weekend. This weather should not be a surprise to anybody who has lived in Montreal for more than 5 minutes. Late March and April have historically produced some big storms for the city. (Valley Weather Photo)

Special Weather Statement posted for Montreal and Ottawa for a significant late season winter storm this weekend.

High pressure is providing us with a sunny, cool Thursday, after a week of clouds and flurries. Some of the flurries were heavy at times, reducing visibility and glazing roads. With chilly overnight lows at or below freezing, there has been plenty of black ice, resulting in some serious accidents. 

After the sunshine of Thursday, we have a very complex weather scenario setting up for the weekend. Arctic high pressure lies to our north, along with an unseasonably strong Bermuda high to our south. The St. Lawrence Valley will become the battleground between the two airmasses. 

A front will lie just to our south, with low pressure riding along it late Friday and again on Sunday. Heavy precipitation will fall along and to the north of the front. This boundary will separate very warm air, over 21C (70F) surging north into southern New England from sub-zero temperatures, -2C (29F) here in Montreal. Northeast winds will keep surface temperatures below freezing in Montreal into Sunday.

There are lots of details to work out, including the exact location of the front. Some areas in southern Quebec and eastern Ontario can expect heavy snow, followed by a significant amount of freezing rain. Despite the angle of the warming March sun, the April 2023 ice storm taught us the significant damage can still be done from freezing rain in spring.

At this time in excess of 25mm (1 inch) of precipitation is possible for Montréal over the weekend. Some models are showing as much as 50mm. The storm will come at us in all forms from heavy snow Friday and Saturday, to freezing rain and eventually rain on Sunday and Monday.

Plan on difficult travel conditions as well as the potential for tree damage and power outages. Stay tuned for updated forecast and warnings over the next 24 hours. This story will be updated.

Winter strikes back in Montreal

The City of Montreal prematurely started cleaning away winter debris last week, a full two weeks ahead of schedule. Unfortunately Mother Nature has the last laugh Monday morning a more snow fell. And we may not be done with the snow just yet. (Ville de Montreal)

More snow expected this weekend.

The City of Montreal started their spring cleaning last week, a full two weeks ahead of schedule, thanks in part to what Mayor Plante called "climate change". With all do respect to Madame Plante and our warming climate, this is March in Montreal. Anybody who has lived here for more than 5 minutes knows that winter is not really over until around Easter as a rule. Even then, it has snowed in Montreal in May!

Several centimetres of snow surprised commuters early Monday morning, covering roads quickly and resulting in several serious collisions. The snow gradually changed to rain in the afternoon. More snow is on the way for the upcoming weekend. (Valley Weather)

And so it goes, Monday morning, a warm front lifted across the region accompanied by a pretty decent shot of snow. Unfortunately the snow arrived during the morning commute, and resulted in several serious accidents, including one that closed Highway 20 near Les Cedres off the western tip of the island. Montreal provided very little in the way of sanding and salting, so it was up to motorists to navigate snow covered and icy roads. The snow gradually tapered off to showers in the afternoon, but not before depositing a few centimetres and raising the monthly total up to over 10cm. A significantly smaller amount when compared to February for sure, but disruptive nonetheless.

The same weather impacted eastern Ontario on Monday, with a rash of  accidents being reported form Ottawa down to the Seaway Valley.

Many drivers heave already removed their snow tires, something I would not recommend until at least mid-April, despite what the rule reads.

Looking ahead, we have a very unsettled, rather chilly week ahead. Showers will mix with flurries at times Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures in the single digits for highs. High pressure will build into southern Quebec briefly on Thursday, with sunshine and milder temperatures. The active weather will return this weekend, with a stronger storm moving from the Ohio Valley towards southern Quebec. Another period of wet snow and rain is possible, with some accumulations likely. 

Winter is not quite over. Please drive safe.

***On a personal note, I want to thank all my readers, family and friends for your kind words and notes over the loss of my trusted weather companion Bella. It has been a sad week for me as I navigate the new normal without my furry sidekick of 14 years. Read about my Bella HERE.

Saying goodbye to Bella - my all-weather pup

My beloved all-weather pup, Bella, the little dog with the big heart and attitude to match.

On a beautiful first day of spring in Montreal, I said goodbye to my beloved pup Bella. At 16, Bella had developed some serious health issues over the last two weeks and let me know her work here was done. It was the most difficult decision I have had to make in my entire life.

Bella came to us from Kiko Dog Rescue in 2011. A misfit of sorts, she was a perfectly imperfect terrier with a heart of gold and the idea that somehow, she was bigger than her 20 pounds. She quickly showed me why,  you see Bella, was a survivor. Born at a puppy mill and passed around to several homes, she had an edge that we softened quickly. I understood her. She understood me. And so forged a relationship that would flourish for 14 strong years. Bella loved me, her greeting every night was epic. Our neighbours knew when I was home.

So why talk about her on my weather blog? Bella was an all-weather dog. We walked daily, often 2-3 times everyday, regardless of the weather. By my count over 14,000 walks in those 14 years. Most of the images you see on this blog were taken with her by my side or in the car with me.

We walked in every type of weather, without fail, heavy snow and rain, warm or cold. Every day. Every season. We both loved fresh snow. Bella loved chasing falling leaves. During the April 2023 ice storm, we walked in darkness during the early morning hours, around downed trees, and cuddled on the couch for warmth as power was out for days. As well we watched countless sunrises and sunsets.

Most recently we viewed the ending stages of the lunar eclipse. Bella was an early riser, motivated by the thought of breakfast after our walk. Followed by some couch time, while I reviewed the different forecast discussions and commuter weather models.

Bella and I visited the historic weather office in Hatteras, North Carolina on the Outer Banks in September 2018. (ValleyWeather Photo)

Bella even accompanied me to one of the first weather offices on the Eastern Seaboard when we visited Cape Hatteras, North Carolina in September 2018, just after hurricane Florence. Our trip was almost cancelled due to the storm, but in the end the barrier islands were reopened just in time.

Bella never failed me. Her love was pure and unconditional. She knew me, I knew her. Eagerly she would wait at the door every morning, even in her final days. Today, Friday, March 21, there was no walk for the first time in 14 years. Bella thought I had all the answers. I thought she did. I had no answer for this. The grief is deep. My heart is broken. They say time heals, we shall see.

Late season winter storm brings tornadoes, blizzards, flooding and record warmth

A Missouri State Highway Patrol Police cruiser illuminates the immediate aftermath of a powerful tornado, still visible in the background, near Bakersfield, Missouri. Three fatalities were reported form this storm, with 35 across the US from dozens of tornadoes since Friday evening. The same system produced record warmth in southern Ontario and Quebec. (Missouri State Highway Patrol Photo)

A powerful late season winter storm is lifting into the Great Lakes on Sunday afternoon, dragging a potent cold front across eastern Ontario and eventually southwestern Quebec. The storm has been responsible for numerous fatalities as it moved northward. A wide range of weather has accompanied the storm, from dust storms and hurricane force winds, to wildfires, tornadoes, flash flooding and even heavy snow along the western edge.

The heavy snow and strong winds are impacting parts of central Ontario on Sunday. Meanwhile here in southern Quebec, record warmth has spread into the region. On Saturday, Montreal reached 17.3C (63F), shattering the 1913 record for the date of 12.8C (55F). So far on Sunday, we have tied the 2010 record, currently at 13.1C at Trudeau Airport. The hot spot in the Quebec on Saturday was 19.4C (67F) at Beauceville.

South of the border, an intense outbreak of severe weather resulted in dozens of tornadoes across several states from Missouri to Pennsylvania and south to the Gulf Coast. Nearly 35 deaths occurred from the tornados, with a least a dozen more form major car accidents as a result of blowing dust in Texas and Kansas. Damage is complete in many small communities form powerful tornadoes, including Bakersfield, Missouri, Diaz and Cave City in Arkansas.

In our region, the very warm temperatures, melting snow and ice along with today's rainfall, is raising concern for river flooding. Several rivers in the region are on the rise and being watched closely.

There is a risk of a few showers and thunderstorms Sunday afternoon in southern Quebec, along with gusty winds up to 60km/h. The cold front will clear the region overnight, setting us up for clearing skies on Monday, along with more seasonable temperatures. The high is forecast to be only 2C (35F). Monday night will be quite chilly, dropping own to -8C (18F). The middle portion of the week will see mild temperatures return, along with showers.

Lunar Eclipse visible in Montreal Friday morning

A spectacular lunar eclipse of the full worm moon will take place in the pre-dawn hours on Friday morning. The eclipse will be visible across North America as well as other parts of the globe. The weather looks perfect for viewing here in Montreal. (Photo: Fred Espenak, NASA)

A total lunar eclipse will take place in the wee hours of Friday morning, visible across all of North America, including here in Montreal. The eclipse begins just prior to midnight Thursday at 11:57PM, reaching maximum totality at 2:58AM Friday morning, and ending completely by 6AM, lasting a total of 6 hours and 3 minutes.

Totality will occur between 2:26AM and 3:31AM.

The eclipse of the full worm moon will occur as the earth passes between the sun and the moon. The moon will take on a reddish copper hue, often referred to as a blood moon. The weather for the event will be near-perfect in Montreal and across southern Québec and eastern Ontario, with clear skies, light winds, and a temperature around -4C (26F) expected.

Unlike a solar eclipse, there is no zero-danger in watching the lunar event. Dress warmly, grab your camera, tripod or binoculars and enjoy the celestial show.

The next total lunar eclipse will be on March 3, 2026.