Spring snowstorm to impact southern Quebec

A late winter storm will produce heavy wet snow starting Friday afternoon over much of northern New England and southern Quebec. Some locations may see in excess of 30cm. Montreal is looking at a rain/snow mix, with 5cm to as much as 15cm locally. (AccuWeather.com)

Spring arrived at 5:58 pm on Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by bright sunshine and mild temperatures in the 7C to 10C (45 to 50F) range. It was a perfect day, but it is also March in Montreal. The month is full of surprises, and one will be delivered over the next 48 hours.

Coastal Storm
A frontal system advancing over the region Thursday, will produce clouds and scattered rain showers along with mild temperatures. Highs will be around 5C (41F) in Montreal. Low pressure currently developing over the Carolina's, is forecast to strengthen into a potent coastal storm, while moving towards New York City on Friday. This storm will move into Maine and Atlantic Canada on Saturday.

A wide swath of precipitation is expected across New England, southern Quebec and extreme eastern Ontario. Rain will develop late tonight or early Friday, and gradually change to wet snow from west to east on Friday afternoon. The snow may become heavy at times, especially across higher elevations. Snowfall accumulations will be highly dependent on when your community transitions from rain to snow, as well as elevation. At this time, 5 to 10cm is likely from Ottawa towards Montreal, with up to 30cm across the Townships and Quebec City region. The potential does exist for more snow in Montreal, depending on how quickly the region cools down on Friday. A winter storm watch has been posted for the US side of the St. Lawrence Valley, and warnings may be extended northward.

Winds will become quite strong as well late Friday, shifting from northeast to north and gusting over 50km/h. Some blowing snow is possible, especially off island towards the east and northeast. Travel will become difficult late Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. The high on Friday in Montreal will be around 4C (39F) very early in the day, dropping below freezing by afternoon.

Conditions will improve on Saturday, with clearing skies and mild highs near 3C (38F). Sunday will be fair and mild as well, before a strong cold front arrives late in the day. That front will produce flurries, with much colder weather to start next week. Remember, it is still March in Montreal!