Tropical weather from Montreal to Florida

The National Hurricane Center is watching three areas of disturbed weather in the Atlantic basin this Labour Day. (NHC)

6 PM Update: Tropical storm Gordon has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, 50 miles southwest of Fort Myers, Florida. A hurricane warning is now in effect for the central Gulf Coast. Landfall is forecast by late Tuesday close to the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Previous post: Summer does not want to let go on this Labour Day weekend in southern Quebec. A warm and humid air mass is dominating the weather across the eastern portion of North America. The pattern is very similar to that of July and August in Montreal, with steamy humidity levels and warm temperatures. Montreal remains on the northern periphery of high pressure located near Bermuda. As a result, the weekend has been partly cloudy with numerous showers and thunderstorms.

On Sunday, some heavier storms put down a quick 17mm of rain on L'Ile Perrot. Trudeau Airport recorded 10.4mm. Some parts of north end Montreal had between 30 and 50mm or rain. More strong thunderstorms and heavier showers are possible Labour Day Monday. Temperatures were capped in the middle 20s on Sunday due to the clouds and showers, but should be in the upper 20s Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will likely be the warmest day of the week, perhaps even the month, with high temperatures into the lower 30s and more oppressive humidity. Overnight lows to start the week at least, will remain warmer than the average daytime high for early September of 22C (72F). A cooler, drier air mass will arrive by Thursday.

NHC forecast track for tropical storm Gordon.

Tropical Atlantic Update
September is the peak period of tropical development in the Atlantic basin. So it is no surprise that we are looking at three systems today. The first is Florence, a 60 mph tropical storm located in the far eastern Atlantic, 900 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands. At this time Florence is no threat to land.

Of more concern this week, is the tropical depression located in the Florida keys early Monday morning. This system is forecast to become tropical storm Gordon on Monday afternoon. A tropical storm warning is already in place for the central Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana. The biggest threat from Gordon will be heavy rainfall and the potential for life threatening flash flooding. The Gulf Coast was soaked with heavy rain last week, and any additional rainfall will cause flooding. Gusty winds and a 2 to 4 foot storm surge are also expected as the storms approaches the coast late Tuesday.

The third area of concern is located off the coast of Africa. This area of disturbed weather will be watch closely by the National Hurricane Center for any signs of development over the next few days.