Active weather pattern expected for southern Quebec

The remains of hurricane Willa located in the Pacific Ocean, may eventually re-develop into a potent coastal storm along the eastern seaboard by the upcoming weekend. The potential exists for some locations to receive heavy amounts of rain or snow, along with very strong winds. (AccuWeather.com)

Many locations in southern Quebec and eastern Ontario reported the first snowflakes of the season on Sunday along with very cold temperatures. An unseasonably chilly air mass, combined with gusty winds, made it feel downright wintry at times to end the weekend. On Monday morning, I recorded the coldest temperature so far this fall, with -2C (28F) at my home on L'Ile Perrot. Some sunshine and light winds allowed the temperature to reach 6C (43) by the afternoon, but this is still well below the normal high of 11C (52F) for todays date. Clouds have since moved in, with showers expected tonight.

It is likely time to start thinking about getting those winter tires on. CAA Quebec recommends winter tires not only for snow, but also at temperatures colder than 7C (45F).

Potential winter storms

It may be time to consider putting on those winter tires, as the first measurable snow of the season may be in our immediate future. An unsettled and stormy weather pattern is expected to unfold across the eastern portion of North America over the next week. Cold air will remain in place across the region, along with a very active storm track. The first system is expected to move from the Great Lakes into Maine by Wednesday morning, accompanied by rain and snow. The snow may be heavy at times, especially over northern Maine, the Gaspe Peninsula and portions of New Brunswick. The snow may extend into the Eastern Townships of Quebec as well as northern Vermont.

The potential exists for an even stronger storm to impact the eastern seaboard, southern Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Canada by the weekend. The storm is expected to develop from the remains of Willa, a powerful category 5 hurricane currently forecast to hit the Pacific coast of Mexico. The storm is forecast to move inland across Mexico and along the Gulf Coast this week. Some models have the system re-developing into a major Nor'Easter while moving up the east coast by Sunday. There are a ton of details to iron out, but it is worth noting that for some of us, we may see the first snow of the season. As always with Nor'easters, the proximity to the coast will in the end determine how much snow or rain Montreal receives, if any. 

Until then, expect showers and below normal temperatures for Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by fair but cold weather to end the work week. Temperatures will remain below normal in Montreal, with forecast daytime highs between 5 and 9C (41 to 49F) and overnight lows of -4 to 0C (25 to 32F). A killing frost is likely in Montreal on both Thursday and Friday morning.