Napa 200 - Hurricane Earl - HOT

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Odd title, let me explain. Sadly it is Monday morning again after a spectacular late summer weekend here in Montreal. The weather will be mid July like as temperatures push over 30C under strong high pressure. This ridge will remain well established this week producing increasing warmth and humidity. The air quality will begin to deteriorate as well with smog warnings already in effect for southwest Ontario. They may be needed elsewhere including metro Montreal.

Yesterday the NAPA 200 was run at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The weather was perfect all weekend, if not too warm yesterday. The temperature soared into the lower 30's at the track putting drivers and spectators at risk for heat exhaustion. The weather was in stark contrast to the last two years when rain plagued the event. Borris Said (09) enjoyed his first NASCAR Nationwide Series victory beating Max Papis (33) by a bumper (above left) to win an exciting race. Montrealer and F-1 Champ, Jacques Villeneuve is in the background in 3rd place. Andrew Ranger took the Canadian Tires series victory earlier today.

Active Tropical Atlantic
Now the big news, Hurricane Earl. First Danielle is becoming extra tropical in the northern Atlantic and has until now spared any land. The only effects have been swells and heavy surf from North Carolina to Newfoundland. Meanwhile Hurricane Earl is about 50 miles north of the Leeward Islands with 110mph winds. Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Leeward Islands as well as the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Earl is expected to remain offshore but deliver strong winds and heavy rain in the warning area. Afterwards the storm is expected to strengthen further as it moves off to the west northwest. Several models have the storm approaching the Outer Banks of North Carolina by late Wednesday, but remaining offshore. As someone who visits Hatteras Island on a yearly basis, I know even offshore is not good for the low lying, narrow Outer Banks. All interests along the coast from North Carolina to Newfoundland should closely monitor Earl. The storm may affect any portion of that coast from Wednesday through Labor Day weekend.

(At right, Hurricane Earl this morning nearing the Leeward Islands. NOAA Image)