Slow warming this Spring

AccuWeather long range forecast map showing a continuation of cold weather for southern Quebec into the start of May and perhaps beyond.

As expected, we are off to a very slow start this Spring across southern Quebec and most of North America. The ice is gone from most rivers and lakes but the water is still very cold and greatly influencing temperature patterns in eastern Canada. I worked outside yesterday and noticed very little is growing or turning green this year. Lots of cold rain, wind and even some snow on the weather map this morning. Montreal managed 11C (52F) on Wednesday, which is below the normal high of 14C (56F). Combine that with cloud cover in the afternoon, and northwest winds up to 50km/h, and it was not too pleasant outdoors.

We start the day with sunshine but breezy and cold at 1C (33F) here on L'Ile Perrot. It will be a dry day with gusty winds and a high of 11C. Clear skies tonight will allow for cold temperatures once again with lows near 0C (32F) in the city but below off island. More sunshine for Friday but through increasing clouds and perhaps a degree or two warmer at 13C. The weekend at this time looks dreary with clouds, cool temperatures and showers both days as low pressure crosses the region. We may see some clearing late Sunday. Temperatures will be near 10C (50F) for daytime highs with lows around 2C (36F).

SNOW!
We have some snow around this morning along the lower north shore of Quebec. Snowfall warnings are in effect with 15-25cm possible around Sept Isles. The snow is being caused by low pressure passing off the Atlantic Coast near Nova Scotia. The same system is bringing a cold rain to other portions of the Maritimes.