Flooding a major concern across region

Flood Watch posted for entire region.
At this time NO snowstorm for Montreal this week despite the rumours.

The winter of 2013-2014 continues to melt away at an alarming speed. Piles of snow across southern Quebec have disappeared into waterways and drainage systems within the last ten days. Remember it was just two weeks ago we had a 20cm snowstorm. The worst case scenario for major flooding will play out over the next few days. A very slow moving moisture laden storm system will affect southern Quebec from Sunday into early Wednesday morning along with very warm temperatures. Despite the rumours of an impending snowstorm, Montreal will be very mild with most of the precipitation falling in the form of rain. Any snow will be confined to central Quebec with perhaps flurries behind the storm late Tuesday.

The major flooding this week in St Clet west of Montreal, could be just the start of a long couple of weeks for several southern Quebec communities. Heavy rain and melting snow will produce more flooding this week. (Global News Photo)

We start with a sunny Saturday and mild temperatures up to 13C. Clouds increase tonight as a warm front approaches the city. Rain and thunderstorms will develop Sunday and be heavy at times with 15-25mm possible in Montreal. Any freezing rain or wet snow will be well north of the city. As the warm front crosses Montreal by midnight Sunday, temperatures will soar to 21C (70F) on Monday, even warmer if we see some sunny breaks. A slow moving cold front will cross the region late Monday into Tuesday with very heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms. Another 25-35mm of rain is possible on Tuesday. Securite Publique Quebec have flood watches posted for the region as the combination of melting ice and snow and heavy rain will produce flooding. Flooding is being reported across several rivers in southern Quebec including the Chateauguay at Huntingdon. Many other rivers are on the rise, a situation that will be complicated by the forecast for heavy rain. A flood watch is also in effect for northern New York and Vermont.

Late Tuesday much colder air will filter into the area behind the cold front changing any leftover rain to wet snow before ending in the overnight hours Wednesday. Very little accumulation is likely in Montreal at this time, temperatures will be very cold by Wednesday with highs only near 3C (39F).