Rainy & much warmer weekend ahead for entire region

A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada for southern Quebec regarding significant rain this weekend. It is a much calmer morning this Thursday as winds that have been blowing relentlessly since the weekend have finally tapered off. Temperatures are chilly but manageable at -12C. The high today under partly sunny skies should be near -9C in Montreal. High pressure will then drift east of the region allowing for a return southerly flow of milder air. Adding to the flow will be a strengthening storm system from the southern Rockies that will move west of Montreal and into James Bay over the weekend. A warm front will approach Montreal Saturday. Steady precipitation will begin as snow or freezing rain very early Saturday before rapidly changing over to heavy rain at times. Rainfall amount could be significant up to 25mm. The rain along with a very warm January high of 8C (48F) will create lots of melting and potential flooding.

It is hopeful that Canadian Coast Guard ice breakers such as the one above, will be able to clear the ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to allow ferry service to resume between Quebec and Newfoundland

There is plenty of ice around on rivers and lakes as well as roads and driveways blocking sewers and downspouts. It would be wise to give them a clear path on your property if you can. All is frozen solid now but should soften up in the sun and warmer weather Friday. Speaking of ice, the residents of Labrador & far eastern Quebec have been dealing with severe river ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence since Christmas. The ice has resulted in suspension of ferry service from St. Barbe, NFLD to Blanc Sablon, Quebec. Commuters and travelers have been stranded with no means to cross the river. Ice breakers are scrambling to clear some of the ice that has formed in the terrible cold of the last month. Meanwhile the ferry MV Apollo sits in dock in Corner Brook, Newfoundland waiting for the go ahead to return to service. This may happen as early as this Friday.