Monday morning again

Some of the action from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series yesterday before the rain.

Hard to believe it is August 31. I won't go into a rant about how terrible a summer it was, but, really on all levels for me, it may have been the worst. It ended yesterday with rain on the NAPA 200 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. For the second year in a row the race began under sunny skies and ended in the rain. There were a record number of cautions in the exciting (but wet) 74 lap affair, that actually went 76 laps, and driver Carl Edwards passed Marcos Ambrose on the final curve to record the victory. I sat at turn 10, until the rain came that is. I would have really preferred a dry race.

Over the weekend the remains of tropical storm Danny were absorbed into low pressure over Atlantic Canada. The storm produced copious amounts of rainfall, in many cases more than Hurricane Bill last weekend. Sydney had 104mm, Saint John, NB, 108mm and Summerside, PEI, 106mm. Halifax recorded a peak wind gust of 91km/h while Wreckhouse, NFLD had 152km/h winds. Nearly 17,000 were left without power in Nova Scotia alone, and flooding was widespread across that province and into New Brunswick.

This back to school week in the region will feature strong high pressure, maybe the strongest of the summer, go fiugure! Sunny skies all week with cool overnights and warm days. High temperatures will range from 20 to 25C. Time to wash the car.

Lets be safe out there as our children return to school. Slow Down!

Weekend Forecast

A couple of low pressure systems to our west combined with moisture from Tropical Storm Danny moving up the eastern coast will provide the area with abundant moisture over the weekend. Showers and gusty winds will develop overnight tonight and persist into Sunday in Montreal and eastern Ontario.

Meanwhile Danny remains disorganized and may not reach hurricane strength. The storm is expected to move just off the North Carolina coast and northeastwards towards Nova Scotia. The only warnings in place at this time is a Tropical Storm Watch for The Outer Banks from Cape Hatteras to Duck.

Danny update and FROST!

In what has seemed like the shortest and coolest summer ever, frost is in the forecast. Arctic high pressure will crest over the region tonight and the likelihood of scattered frost away from the metro areas and waterways is very possible. Frost Advisories are in effect for central Quebec and the Adirondacks of central New York. Last night Montreal dropped to 9C while Kemptville reached 6C. The cool air will move east on Friday as a warm front moves into the region.

The weekend forecast is up in the air at the moment. A trough of low pressure will slide east from the Great Lakes, and give the region a chance of showers both Saturday and Sunday. The showers could turn into a full blown rainstorm if Tropical Storm Danny comes close to the US coast. However, at this time, each computer run is pushing the storm track further to the east. There is still great uncertainty in the forecast strength and track. We will have to keep an eye on the storm. The greatest risk for a direct impact is from Cape Hatteras north to Newfoundland, with the fringe affects being felt across interior New England and southern and eastern Quebec, New Brunswick and PEI. Stay tuned!

Danny

Tropical storm Danny has developed 775 miles south southwest of Cape Hatteras. The storm has 45 mph winds with a slow increase in intensity forecast. Danny could become a hurricane and threaten the east coast from New Jersey to Atlantic Canada by the weekend. This could become a very interesting weather story. More later today.

Tropical Storm Danny?

"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

Senator Edward M. Kennedy

We may have a tropical system developing in the Atlantic today just east of the Bahamas. The storm is forecast to become Danny later today and may threaten the eastern seaboard with heavy rain and wind this weekend. It will bear watching and may influence our weather. That is not good news with the NASCAR race set for this weekend.

I am sorry for not mentioning that incredible severe weather outbreak in Ontario last Thursday. A total of 8 tornadoes and funnel clouds were recorded including an unprecedented three F-2 storms. The storms caused severe damage in many locations including Vaughan and Newmarket north or the GTA. One fatality occurred and several injuries. Numerous homes were destroyed.

Here is the official wrap up by Environment Canada...

Shortly after noon a supercell storm developed just south of Lake
Huron. This cell tracked northeastward for a remarkable 200 km
producing the Durham and Thornbury tornadoes. The storm cell
Finally weakened over Georgian Bay toward evening.

At the same time a squall line developed over lower Michigan then
tracked across Southern Ontario during the afternoon and evening
hours. This feature produced straight line wind damage to several
locales from Windsor to well northeast of Toronto as well as the
destructive Vaughan and Newmarket tornadoes.

Finally in the early evening isolated supercell storms tracked
To the east of Georgian Bay. One tracked northeastward to produce a
probable tornado over the area between Arnstein and North Bay as
well as a waterspout over lake Nipissing.

Another tornado tracked through the Gravenhurst area before lifting.
This storm or one near spawned a tornado that went through the
Redstone Lake and Kennisis Lake district. This brings the total thus
far for the August 20 storms to 8 confirmed tornadoes, 1 probable
tornado and 2 possible tornadoes.

There was one fatality with the tornado in the south end of Durham.
Several of the tornadoes were rated as f2 damage on the Fujita
Scale. F2 damage is equivalent to wind strength of 180 to 250 km/h.

The following is a list of tornadoes and associated damage assessed
by a total of five separate Environment Canada storm damage teams.

Cooler weather ahead

We have had a pleasant stretch of weather here in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. The sunshine has been accompanied by some showers scattered about but it has been warm and humid. Temperatures have been in the upper twenties. That is about to change as a cooler air mass from western Canada settles into the region later this week. The cooler air should arrive with a few showers on Wednesday followed by sunny and cooler weather for the balance of the work week. It will struggle to reach 20C with a very fall like feeling in the air. I noticed this morning that the dew is a little heavier owing to the longer nights, and also a few leaves are turning and even falling!

The NASCAR Napa 200 race is in Montreal this Sunday. Early indications are that it may rain. I have my fingers crossed it won't, I did not enjoy the rain last year too much, although it did make history as they used rain tires for the first time in a NASCAR points race.

A quick post storm report on Hurricane Bill. The rapid speed of Bill meant he kept his tropical characteristics right into Newfoundland. It also meant that the storms effects were lessened due to his speed. The rainfall and flooding was thus limited. Accumulations ranged from 30-70mm. It fell quickly - in just a few hours but the amounts were less than expected. Winds and waves were very fierce with a peak gust to 132km/h at Cape Race, Newfoundland. There were numerous reports of coastal flooding from the 10 metre plus storm surge and waves. Bill finally made landfall at Point Rosie, Newfoundland on the Burin Peninsula at around midnight Monday, August 24.

Hurricane Bill off to Newfoundland

Many coastal roads in Nova Scotia were closed today from high surf caused by Hurricane Bill.

Bill is now racing northeast at over 60km/h and is expected to cross the Avalon Peninsula near midnight. The storm swept east of Nova Scotia today passing just 75km offshore. Winds and waves were fierce with waves of over 14 metres recorded and winds close to 90km/h in Halifax and points south as of 8pm. Heavy rain fell as well with nearly 70mm in just a few hours. Many areas reported flooding and some roads were washed out. The storm moved very quickly across the area and spared the region from major flooding. Some trees were down in Halifax, and Nova Scotia Power reported over 40,000 homes without electricity at the height of the storm. A Storm Surge and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for southeastern coastal Newfoundland. Heavy rain warnings are posted for most of that province. Warnings will slowly be allowed to expire in Nova Scotia tonight. By midday Monday Bill should begin a transformation to extratropical status as he move northeast away from Newfoundland. No injuries were reported in Atlantic Canada, but the US Coast Guard in Maine are looking for three people swept out to sea by the large and dangerous waves. The Canadian Coast Guard is advising people to stay away from beaches tonight.

Bill update from CHC

Here is the latest information from the Canadian Hurricane Centre...

Hurricane Bill intermediate information statement issued by the Canadian Hurricane Centre of environment Canada at 12.00 Noon ADT Sunday 23 august 2009.

Hurricane Bill was located near latitude 43.3 N and longitude 64.0 W. About 90 nautical miles or 150 km south southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bill is moving towards the northeast at 29 knots... 54 Km/h. Maximum sustained winds are estimated at 75 knots... 140 Km/h and central pressure at 965 mb. The satellite presentation of Bill is still very tropical with a large area of convection offshore of Nova Scotia displaced to the east of the low level centre which is about 100 kilometres south of Lunenburg County. The outer rainbands have moved across Nova Scotia and into Prince Edward Island and southern and central New Brunswick. The centre of hurricane Bill passed by just to south of the Georges Bank buoy between 08 utc and 09 utc. The lowest atmospheric pressure reported by the buoy was 965 mbs with a peak 5-metre wind at 52 knots. The maximum significant wave height reported by the buoy was 10.7 Metres but the wave recording equipment stopped reporting for two hours at the height of the hurricane force winds. By 12 utc the Lahave bank buoy was reporting winds near hurricane force with a peak wind at 73 knots and significant wave heights were 13.4 Metres with a maximum wave height at 26.4 Metres. The centre of bill is expected very near this buoy shortly. Much of mainland Nova Scotia is being battered by rainbands reaching out from hurricane Bill. These rainbands are even moving into southern New Brunswick reaching north of Fredericton and Moncton. Rainfall rates of 15 to 20 millimetres per hour have been reported in these rain bands making driving conditions hazardous with reduced visibilities and standing water on roadways. This heavy rainfall has the potential to cause street and road flooding. Undermine some road surfaces.. Washouts and flooded basements. Total rainfall amounts in southern Nova Scotia are up to 60 millimetres up to the noon hour. Southern New Brunswick has reported 20 to 40 millimetres. These rain bands are now moving into Prince Edward Island eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. The rain bands will begin affecting Newfoundland later today. Sustained tropical storm force winds have reached the coast of Nova Scotia as well. Baccaro point has reported sustained winds of 36 knots (67 km/h) and a maximum wind at 46 knots (85 km/h). Yarmouth airport had a peak gust at 38 knots (70 km/h). Lunenburg has reported maximum winds at 43 knots (80 km/h).Winds in the Halifax regional municipality have reached 39 knots(72 km/h). There are media reports of trees down in the HRM area. There are numerous reported power outages across the entire south shore of Nova Scotia. The winds will continue to increase this afternoon in the Maritimes as bill nears the coastline. The wind will reach Newfoundland tonight. Large waves are beginning to reach the coastline of Nova Scotia at noon. The buoy outside Halifax harbour has reported a maximum wave height of 6.9 Metres this morning and this is forecast to reach 5 to 10 metres along the entire coastline this afternoon. There are reports that the roadway in eastern passage is underwater. RCMP reports large swells are reaching the Peggys Cove area. Roadways near the coast are being closed in several areas. A combination of these large waves with the forecast storm surge of 0.5 to 1.0 metres may lead to shoreline erosion and damage to wharves and coastal structures as well as generating dangerous rip currents at local beaches.

Hurricane Bill

Hurricane Bill southeast of Nova Scotia.

We have a hurricane in Canadian waters this morning as Bill is moving northeast at 31 mph just offshore of southern Nova Scotia. Winds have been gusting to 100km/h on Sable Island and have increased over 60km/h in Yarmouth and Lunenburgh. Heavy rain bands have begun to move onshore and there is a serious threat of flooding from the nearly 150mm of rain expected in coastal areas. A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain in effect for the coastal areas of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Inland heavy rain warnings and high wind warnings are in place. Bill will rapidly move just due east off the coast today and on towards Newfoundland tonight. The strongest winds and heaviest rain are forecast in the next couple of hours. I noticed this morning that Yarmouth was at 22C with a dew point of 22C, a very tropical air mass and a humidex of 32C. This indicates that Bill is still carrying tropical characteristics and should only begin the transition into an extratropical system later today. A hurricane hunter reconnaissance aircraft flew into the storm this morning and recorded a central pressure of 965mb and winds of 85mph. Bill remains a very dangerous storm and will pound the coastal areas with high surge. A surge of 4 metres is expected in Nova Scotia with up to 5 metres in Cape Breton and a whopping 8m in southeast Newfoundland. There is great concern for damage to coastal infrastructure today.

Of note, Nova Scotia Power is on standby and is expecting numerous power outages. Also Halifax Regional Airport has been closed and all flights diverted or cancelled till further notice.

Here in Montreal, the western spiral bands have generated some cloud cover over the area and winds in the St. Lawrence Valley of Quebec are blowing out of the northeast from 25-50km/h and gusty in response to Bill.

More information on Hurricane Bill can be found HERE.

Bill heads for Nova Scotia

Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts during this time.
I appreciate them all very much.

A tropical storm warning has been posted for the Nova Scotia coastline while a tropical storm watch is in effect for Newfoundland, eastern PEI and extreme southern New Brunswick. A tropical storm warning is also in effect for the Cape Cod coast including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. At 5pm the center of Bill was located about 585 miles southwest of Halifax and moving north at about 24mph. Bill is packing winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). The storm is expected to continue on this current track with a gradual turn towards the northeast. Bill should approach the Nova Scotia coast midday Sunday with very strong winds, gusting up to 140km/h and torrential rain with 100-150mm possible. Bill is not expected to make a direct hit like Hurricane Juan did, however the storm will come very close to the coast. All hurricanes are dangerous and preparations should be rushed to completion in the area. A storm surge of 2-4 metres is expected along the east coast of Nova Scotia and the southern coast of Newfoundland.

A heavy heart

I lost a good friend yesterday. Someone I admired and looked up to my entire life. My father was a tremendous man, always doing the right thing, solving problems with words not violence, and showing us his love in so many different ways. He worked hard his entire life and gave unconditionally to us. We never went without. Every Christmas, every holiday our house was filled with fun and gifts and food. He maintained our big home on the St. Lawrence River in Verdun tirelessly. He cared for his parents their entire lives. He is one of the driving factors behind my interest in weather. His quiet, proud way of moving through life has been passed on to me and my brother and sisters. Work hard, take responsibility and ownership, correct mistakes.
He died yesterday at the age of 80. I will miss him. Thank you dad for being you.

One more day

It continues hot this morning across the area. Montreal is already at 25C, actually we only dropped to 23C overnight with high humidity and very uncomfortable for anyone without A/C. Today will be another scorcher, close to 33C with humidex values over 40C again. A cold front will move into the region this afternoon with scattered showers and some thunderstorms. There is always the risk of severe weather with this kind of heat and humidity present. Any storms will develop after the lunch hour first across eastern Ontario and the Laurentians and later across the St. Lawrence Valley. It will be cooler but still pleasant for the balance of the week, with temperatures dropping to around 27C for a daytime high.

Hot!

Above & below: A shower squeezes the sunset tonight. It remains very hot and humid in Montreal.

It was sultry today. Temperatures reached the 32C mark in Ottawa, Montreal and Kemptville. It was nearly 34C in upstate New York. High humidity pushed humidex readings above 40C. The heat will continue on Tuesday with temperatures around 32C again. Thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon and begin slowly cooling the region. Tonight a few scattered thunderstorms pressed across the area, with a brief windy shower here on Montreal's South Shore, right around sunset.

A quick note on Hurricane Bill tonight. I was just looking at some recon data and computer models and it appears Bill may miss the US. It remains a definite threat for Bermuda and beyond that into next week, there is a threat to the Maratimes and Newfoundland. It is very early in the forecast and the storm is still well out in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Winds are at 90mph and an increase in strength is likely tonight. Meanwhile Claudette is dissipating over Alabama while Ana is doing the same near Cuba. There is a very slight chance that Ana could redevelop in the Gulf of Mexico, but at this point that scenario seems unlikely.

Warmest day since 2007

Claudette approaches Fort Walton Beach, Fla. yesterday. (CTV.ca)

Today should be the warmest day in Montreal and Kemptville since the summer of 2007. We reached 30C yesterday and have only dropped to 22C this morning for our low. It should hit 32C with humidex readings into the 40's. Here is the statement from Environment Canada...

Metro Montréal - Laval - South Shore - Valleyfield
5:11 AM EDT Monday 17 August 2009
High heat and humidity warning for Metro Montréal - Laval continued

A high humidex value of 40 to 43 is expected over these regions today. During this period, people suffering from chronic diseases (ex.: heart and respiratory diseases) could see their condition deteriorate. Moreover, exposure to these conditions could cause discomfort like muscle cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke. In order to better withstand the heat, the following actions are recommended: drink a lot of water, reduce physical activities, and
seek air conditioned or shady areas. If you worry for your health or want more information, dial 811 to call the infohealth service of your area.

Tropical Storm Claudette moved onshore near Fort Walton Beach Florida this morning with 50mph winds and about 4 inches of rain at Apalachicola and Pensacola. The storm will weaken inland today. Bill continues to strengthen out in the open waters of the Atlantic, and has become a hurricane with 75mph winds.

Heat & Humidity

Radar image of Tropical Storm Claudette nearing the Florida coast tonight with heavy rain and 50mph winds.

Tropical Update: What had been a quiet tropical season to date changed rapidly over the weekend with three named storms now present in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Tropical storm Bill is expected to become a hurricane as he spins north of the Caribbean islands. The storm is expected to become a major system as it moves northwest off the eastern coast of the US over the next couple of days. It is still too soon to tell if the storm will affect the US or Canada.

Meanwhile Tropical storm Claudette has formed very close to the Florida Panhandle. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect tonight as the storm moves towards the coast at 12 mph with 50mph winds. Tonight local radar is showing the storm spinning onto the coast west of Appalachicola, Florida. 3-5 foot ocean swells are expected in the panhandle along with up to 10 inches of rain in western Florida and southern Alabama. Also tropical storm Anna has weakened to a depression and is moving towards the Lesser Antilles. This storm still bears watching.

**In Montreal, we reached 30C again today, with very humid and hazy conditions. Environment Canada has issued a High Heat and Humidity Warning for southwestern Quebec, and Smog Advisories also remain posted for the Metro area and most of southern Ontario. It will reach 32C on Monday with high humidity and poor air quality. The heat should break on Tuesday with some showers.

Beautiful Weekend

For the first time since July 2008, we are expecting consecutive 30C days. At no point last summer or this year have we had a "heatwave" defined as 3 or more consecutive 30C days. We may have one through early next week. The forecast calls for sunny and warm weather right into Tuesday before the next threat of any rain.

The last time we went over 30C for two days was July 7 and 8, 2008 and prior to that June 7 and 8 the same year. Those days combined with the two days so far this summer are the only 30C plus days in Montreal for the last two years.

Summer!

Lots to talk about this morning. First, the weather forecast looks awesome, finally. High pressure will anchor itself off the east coast and pump warm and humid air north into our region well into next week. Simply put, sunny and warm with an outside chance of a brief thunderstorm and temperatures approaching 30C each day.

*Yesterday several rounds of thunderstorms affected Ontario and Quebec. The most intense occurred around Lac Brome and also near Toronto. Winds were recorded at 115km/h at Pearson in the afternoon. Several funnel clouds were also observed in southern Ontario. In Montreal two separate lines of storms produced brief heavy rain, but no other damage.

*Forecasters are tracking the second tropical depression of the 2009 Atlantic season. The storm is located about 535 miles south of the Cape Verde Islands. The storm is expected to reach Tropical Storm status with 39mph winds over the weekend and be named Anna.

*The Perseid meteor shower peaks today. The Perseid meteor shower is sparked every August when the Earth passes through a stream of space debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. The best time to view it in Montreal will be sadly around 2pm. That is when the frequency of meteors will be at its best. However they should remain decent up until about 10pm tonight. So after sunset find yourself a dark spot away from the city lights and enjoy. There should be about 15 or so a minute. More details HERE.

Pattern Change

A shift in the summer long weather pattern may be underway this week as the cool damp air in place for most of the last three months is being attacked by a warm, humid and very summer like air mass from the southern US. It appears the southern one will finally win out, but not before another round or two of thunderstorms. They should occur today and tomorrow before a five day stretch of sunny, 28 to 30C weather across the region. The further south you go the warmer it will be with temperatures in the 30's in New York state and points south.

Overnight some severe weather was moving about the region, including a storm that swept the Lac Brome region in the Townships, uprooting trees and downing power lines. Power is out to around 600 homes according to Hydro Quebec.

**I want to thank everyone for the kind comments. I appreciate you reading. I also want to apologize for the lack of updates at times. Life has thrown me a few curves lately and some times the blog and weather slips to the bottom of the pile.

Very humid with pm storms

Another 50/50 weekend with bright sunshine and comfortable temperatures Saturday for the 52nd annual Stowe car show in Vermont (above). The VW Bus is my fav vehicle after the Dodge Charger of course! Sunday: more clouds and showers.

Soupy, muggy, damp and grey; well you get the picture. It is a very muggy and humid morning across most of eastern Canada and the northeast US. Heavy rain and fierce thunderstorms swept southern Ontario last night with hail, damaging winds and over 50mm of rain. Toronto's Pearson Airport reported a wind gust to 96km/h around 8pm last night.

The storms passed south and east into upstate New York, missing Montreal and Kemptville. This morning the area has low clouds, fog and drizzle. It should break and become very warm and humid with thunderstorms developing late in the day. We will reach close to 30C across the entire region.

Weekend Forecast

A few sprinkles and a chilly morning greeted most this morning. The showers and any fog will dissipate and we can look forward to a sunny, but chilly day for August, around 21C. It will be very cool tonight with some single digit lows away from major cities. This will be followed by a sunny and warm Saturday, just a perfect day for the Vermont Auto Enthusiasts 56th annual car show in Stowe, Vermont. I am very much hoping to attend. Whatever your plans the weather will be good.

Sunday will see a major shift in weather patterns that will bring a very warm and humid air mass into the Great Lakes basin and southern Quebec. Showers and thunderstorms with some heavy rain will accompany the warm air on Sunday followed by a week of warm and humid conditions with temperatures between 28 and 30C. It will remain warm at night as well, close to 20C. Crank up the A/C and get the pool ready you may need them. It is important to note that some of Sunday's storms may turn severe in Ontario and Quebec as well as New York state, so keep this in mind when planning outdoor activities.

Mont-Laurier storm an F-2

Ripped from a video this photo shows the tornado forming in Mont-Laurier. (CBC.ca)

The twister that swept Mont-Laurier northwest of Montreal on Tuesday was an F-2 on the Fujita Intensity Scale. A storm of that nature is capable of producing considerable damage. They are rare, and even more so here in Quebec. It was the worst Quebec storm since the Aylmer tornado 15 years ago. The mid-afternoon tornado produced winds in excess of 200km/h and tore through the town damaging hundreds of homes. Nearly 40 are destroyed with walls and roofs removed. The town is littered with debris everywhere and power poles and trees are down. It was a miracle nobody was killed.

Sadly in the aftermath of the storm yesterday a CTV news cameraman, the son of former long time CFCF anchor Bill Haugland, Hugh Haugland, was killed when the helicopter he was riding in crashed near the town. He was filming the storm damage for the network. The pilot was killed as well. He was a 20 year veteran with two teenage daughters and a wife. Very sad indeed - my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Storm Report HERE

Calm weather today

After yesterday's wild weather, today will be sunny and a dry 24C in Montreal, Ottawa and Kemptville. This summer has been highlighted by frequent bouts of severe weather right across the country and yesterday was no different. Reports are still being gathered, but lots of heavy rain fell with 50-75mm in southern and eastern Ontario. The automated Environment Canada observation system is out again in Kemptville, no doubt by last nights lightning. In Quebec, the Mont-Laurier tornado caused lots of damage and one injury. Environment Canada will be on the ground today to determine the strength of the tornado.

You can view a video and an updated report on the weekend storms in Calgary, HERE.

Wild lightning show

(double click for more detail) Lightning to the southwest, downtown Montreal on the right.

I was at the window with my camera as some pretty intense thunderstorms passed just south of Montreal through the La Prairie basin of the St. Lawrence Seaway. We live on the South Shore and have an unobstructed view to the southwest. This is one of many shots of the spectacular light show I was able to snap at 9pm tonight.

Mont-Laurier tornado

CTV.ca photo of damage caused by a tornado in Mont-Laurier, QC this afternoon.

According to Environment Canada a tornado swept through the community of Mont-Laurier in the Laurentians northwest of Montreal around 2:30pm this afternoon. The storm cut power to over 4000 homes and damaged about 40 homes and businesses. One home was completely demolished with one injury reported. Environment Canada is sending a team to the area tomorrow to determine the strength of the storm. It was the 6th tornado of the season in Quebec.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect for Montreal with the risk of severe weather up until about midnight tonight. Radar is showing the most intense storms at 8pm along the Quebec and Ontario border near Riviere Beaudette west to Cornwall and moving east southeast. Warnings are in effect for Dorion and Valleyfield. Rain and thunder are occurring in Montreal, but no severe weather at this hour.

A decent weather week

With all the complaining and nonsense this summer, it is safe to call this week, decent. Yesterday was very pleasant with afternoon temperatures approaching 24C. Today will be muggy and warm with gusty southwest winds ahead of an advancing cold front moving into Ontario and Quebec. the front will set the stage for showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be severe with strong winds and heavy rain. The storms will occur from mid afternoon in Kemptville to early evening for Montreal. Look for the most intense weather to be in the 401 corridor along the Quebec/Ontario border.

The balance of the week will be fair with high pressure producing cool but sunny weather. There will be a few clouds and maybe a shower late Thursday, but otherwise fair. It will warm again Sunday into Monday with possibly the warmest air of the season affecting us for a day or two. We could see our first 32C (90F) day of the summer.

- The fire situation continues to worsen in B.C. Firefighters are battling hundreds of wildfires with help from several provinces and now they are looking south into the US for more help.

- Calgary was hammered by another round of severe thunderstorms on Monday, only one 36 hours after the deadly storms of Saturday. Nearly 10cm of hail fell on the city in isolated pockets with strong tornado like winds toppling trees and disrupting power. The storms were moving at nearly 90km/h and crossed the province in only a few hours.

A spectacular sunset tonight in Montreal after another rainy day. It has rained every weekend this summer. SB pic

August started in spectacular fashion on Saturday with bright sunshine and temperatures in the upper 20's. Sadly it did not last. Today low pressure and a trailing cold front produced heavy rain in Montreal over the course of the midday period, with late afternoon thunderstorms in eastern Ontario. The thunderstorms fizzled with the setting sun and did not make it east into Quebec.

It was another day of severe weather in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The storms came on the heels of yesterdays killer storms in southern Alberta. At the annual Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, 100km southwest of Edmonton, severe thunderstorms toppled a stage killing one and injuring 75, some critically. The late afternoon storm produced 100km/h winds. The same system toppled trees in Calgary, killing a second person and cut power to large parts of the city.

This weather is just part of what has been a terrible summer coast to coast. The only true summer weather has been in B.C., but it comes with a price. The high heat and dry weather is helping wildfires scorch hundreds of acres of forest and forced the evacuation of scores from their homes. The heat is expected to continue in the interior well into this week.

Back in Montreal we just came off the cloudiest July ever recorded in the city with limited sunshine and rain on 26 of 31 days. So far we are 1 for 2 in August.