Take time to Remember

My father told me from a very young age just how important it was to wear a Poppy and observe a moment of silence on November 11 to pay respect to those who fought and continue to protect our rights and freedoms. It is not taken lightly in my home as I am fully aware of how great Canada is and how much freedom we enjoy as a result of the many who died in the terrible wars of our past. It seems so easy to do, simply wear a poppy and say thank you. As per usual it will be a chilly and blustery day in Ottawa and Montreal for the ceremonies which start at 10:30 am at various locations including Parliament Hill and here in Montreal on the McGill Campus. Skies will be mostly cloudy with temperatures around 3C and a biting west wind.

That wind and cloud cover will be a hint of a strong cold front in the Great Lakes this morning that will enter the St. Lawrence Valley early this afternoon. Showers and strong winds will transition into some snow flurries after dark this evening. Wide areas of southwest Ontario and portions of Quebec, north of Montreal have snow squall watches in effect. Up to 10cm of snow is possible in the most persistent squalls, especially south and east of Lake Huron. In Montreal light rain will mix with snow before ending by midnight. It will turn windy and cold tonight with lows of -5C. Keep this in mind if driving this evening, there will likely be icy spots around. The balance of the week will be fair and dry with moderating temperatures. Highs will not making it above 0C on Tuesday, but should warm to 6 or 7C by Friday.

TYPHOON HAIYAN
One of the strongest storms ever to hit land on earth is weakening over Vietnam this morning after nearly leveling portions of the Philippines on Friday. Haiyan produced winds over 200mph with a storm surge over 20 feet high across the southern island nation. Tsunami like waves destroyed entire villages and most of Tacloban City. Relief efforts our underway but the scope of the disaster and the loss of infrastructure is making it very difficult. The death toll is at 1200 but estimates are that it could reach over 10,000. The Canadian Government is already committed $5 million in relief aid and is matching donations made to relief agencies. Please help if you can at redcross.ca