Long duration snowfall expected in Montreal

A special weather statement is now in effect for metro Montreal, with 10 to 20cm of snow expected through Friday morning. The commute in Montreal on Thursday will be impacted as snow, falling temperatures and gusty wind are forecast.

Widespread weather warnings and advisories are in place from Ontario to Atlantic Canada including Montreal, as a winter storm approaches the region.

Wednesday turned into a spectacular weather day, with the mildest air so far this year. High temperatures around the Montreal region warmed between plus 4C and 6C (39-43F) under partly cloudy skies. Unfortunately, the mild weather is not going to last much longer. A strong cold front is moving across Ontario, changing rain to snow as it progresses southeast. Temperatures fall rather quickly behind the front, along with gusty northwest winds and steady snow.

Quebec's own Groundhog, Fred la Marmotte, saw his shadow today in Val-d'Espoir, predicting six more weeks of winter weather. That will become a reality quickly tonight as mild air retreats to the southeast and an arctic cold front arrives in Montreal. Rain will change to snow after midnight, and temperatures will plummet to -13C by Thursday night.

The cold front will approach the Montreal region overnight, settling across central New York and New England on Thursday. Rain will develop this evening in Montreal, changing to snow after midnight and persisting through the day on Thursday. On Thursday, low pressure will move along the front, with the snowfall picking up in intensity late in the day. In all, 10 to 20cm of snow is forecast from Montreal south to the US border and along the St. Lawrence Valley into Ontario. Temperatures will fall on Thursday from early highs near 0C (32F) down to -8C (18F) by late afternoon. Gusty northwest winds of 20-40km/h will make it feel much colder, and produce areas of blowing snow. Flurries are expected to persist into Friday.

Nicknamed the Groundhog Day storm, this system is far reaching, with weather warnings posted from Texas to Atlantic Canada impacting millions. Already today, heavy snow and freezing rain has created dangerous travel conditions across the southern plains into the Great Lakes. The snow has now moved into southwestern Ontario.