Slightly cooler, less humid weekend for Montreal

With temperatures into the low 30s, by the lake in Pointe Claire was one of the few spots you could cool off naturally this past week. (ValleyWeather)

Thursday was another hot day in Montreal, as the temperature nudged above 32C (90F) once again. We can expect the same today, along with elevated humidity levels. The forecast high should range from 31 to 33C (88 to 92F). A strong cold front will arrive across eastern and southern Ontario this afternoon, advancing into southern Quebec tonight. Along the front, strong thunderstorms are forecast to develop in Ontario this afternoon. As the front moves into our region, we can expect a round of showers and storms as well, but I think their strength may diminish here in Quebec. The reason for this is that the front should arrive in Montreal after the warmest part of the day, allowing for more stability in the atmosphere. We will have to watch this scenario, as warnings may be needed for a portion of the region.

Behind the front, cooler air will arrive, along with lowering humidity levels. Saturday will be unsettled to start the day, with some showers around Montreal, but partial sunshine by afternoon. Temperatures will be much cooler this weekend, around 25C (77F). Fair weather is expected to start next week with perhaps showers by Wednesday. Temperatures will warm again into the upper 20s.

Active severe weather continues to be widespread across North America this summer. Since Sunday, nearly a dozen tornadoes have been reported across the northern plains into southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. At least five have occurred on the Canadian side of the border. Winds in excess of 100km/h, heavy rain and large hail were reported in Manitoba on Wednesday.

The tropics are beginning to awaken as well. Hurricane Earl moved into Belize on Thursday, with heavy rain and 120km/h winds. Earl is close to the Bay of Campeche this morning, and is forecast to weaken further as the system slides into mainland Mexico. Heavy rain, up to 300mm, is possible along the path of the storm. National Hurricane Center forecasters are watching other areas of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic for further development next week.