Frigid temperatures expected for Montreal by Friday

Moderate snow, strong winds and cold temperatures made for difficult travel on Sunday across the metro Montreal region. Another 10.8cm of snow fell, bringing the monthly total up to 89.4cm. By comparison, Burlington, Vermont has had 89.9cm for the entire winter to date. (Valley Weather Photo)

Surprise, it is snowing again Monday morning in Montreal, for the 14th consecutive day. At least a trace of snow has fallen on 25 of the 30 days this month. Our monthly total for January sits at 89.4cm after 10.8cm fell on Sunday. Temperatures were quite cold Sunday as the snow fell, making roads incredibly slick and reducing the effectiveness of the salt. There were numerous accidents reported, with the SQ advising against travel along Highway 20 to the Ontario border.

Monday is chilly once more, especially compared to the monthly average this January, which sits at -4.1C (24.6F). This is well above the long-term average of -9.7C (14.5F). The overnight temperatures have been especially mild, averaging -7.1C (19.2F), the normal should be -14C (6.8F).

As mentioned, light snow is falling once again Monday morning, inching us closer to the all-time record for most snow in the month of January. We are expecting another 2-4cm today along a cold front, and with no snow forecast for Tuesday, we may just fall short of the 95cm that fell in January 1999.

ARCTIC BLAST

Temperatures will turn much colder as the week progresses, with the coldest air set to arrive Thursday night behind a strong arctic front. That front will have a period of snow squalls along, with gusty winds, and plunging temperatures. The overnight low Friday morning will be in the -20s, with highs on Friday struggling to reach -18C (0F). The morning low Saturday will be even colder, likely into the minus 30s for most of southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. The forecast low of -30C (-22F) Friday night for Montreal, would be the coldest temperature I have recorded on Ile Perrot since moving there in 2009. Time will tell. In any event, it will be frigid with dangerous windchills. Weather warnings will be needed for the extreme cold. The good news is that the cold snap will be short, with temperatures warming on southwest winds Sunday, back to above normal values. There may be some light snow as well on Sunday.

More snow - coldest air of the season on the way for Montreal

Crews in Saint-Laurent and across the region were busy Friday clearing just some of the nearly 80cm of snow that has fallen in Montreal during the month of January. We are closing in on the all-time record for the month of 95cm set in 1999. Trudeau Airport has measured 78.6cm as of Saturday, with more on the way. (Valley Weather Photo)

We are closing in on a record I would have never thought possible during such a mild January. Thanks to the persistent snowfall over the last two weeks, Montreal is sitting at 78.6cm for the month, within reach of the most snowfall for any January. The record for the month is 95cm established in 1999. January has been mild, but with a recent storm track just to our south, most of the precipitation has been in the form of snow for the city.

That trend will continue today, as low pressure moves along a frontal boundary draped just to the south of the US border. Snow is already moving into southern Quebec and eastern Ontario, and it will persist into the evening hours. Expect a good 10cm of snow for Montreal, with locally up to 15cm along the St. Lawrence River and in the Ottawa Valley. Gusty northeast winds up to 40km/h will maintain low level cold air in Montreal, with temperatures remaining steady near -6C (23F). Some blowing snow is possible, along with difficult road conditions. You do not have to travel very far south of Montreal into the Champlain Valley of Vermont and New York, to find above freezing temperatures and light rain instead of snow.

The week ahead will feature some of the coldest air for southern Quebec so far this winter, with an arctic boundary arriving by Thursday. Overnight lows most of the week will be in the -13C to -20C range, but plummet by next Saturday morning into the low -20s, likely reaching -27C (-16F) by Saturday morning for Montreal. Daytime highs will start the week in the -5C range but struggle to reach -18C (0F) on both Friday and Saturday. The dangerous cold will be a shock for most as the winter has been very mild to date. Gusty winds will create significant windchill values both Friday and Saturday. The good news is the arctic outbreak should be short, with moderating temperatures expected as early as next Sunday.

After today's snow and blowing snow, there will be several chances for additional light snowfall this week along multiple cold fronts. The heavy snow this month is adding weight to temporary car shelters. Make sure you clean them off, as I witnessed one that had collapsed here on Ile Perrot this weekend.

Heavy snow blankets southern Quebec - over 25cm in Montreal

The snow is deep here on Ile Perrot, with another 25cm added overnight to the mountains already in place. Our municipality has been exceptional at plowing the roads, but as you can see above, you will need to dig out of your own driveway to get to work or school. (Valley Weather)

The snowfall warning remains in effect through the noon hour for Montreal.

As expected, snow began just prior to the evening commute Wednesday evening in Montreal. The snow became heavy quickly, with 21cm falling before midnight. Strong winds created blowing snow and nearly whiteout travel conditions on area highways, especially south and west of the city. As of 6am Thursday morning, 26cm had fallen in Montreal. Primary roads in the city are in good shape, but mountains of snow remain on side roads and parking lots.

There are delays at Trudeau Airport, call ahead to verify your flight.

Some schools have been closed for the day, especially north of Montreal, but the major boards remain open in the city.

Strong low pressure is moving down the St. Lawrence Valley early Thursday morning, with a secondary low developing near Long Island, New York. This storm will become the dominant system today as it lifts into the Gulf of Maine. We are in a dry slot at the moment, but precipitation should blossom again from the west, with another 5cm of snow expected for Montreal before precipitation tapers off early this afternoon. Gusty west winds will develop by noon, up to 50km/h, causing blowing snow, especially off island.

The snowstorm impacted all of southern and eastern Ontario as well Wednesday, with 13.8cm falling in Toronto and 15.6cm in Ottawa. There were reports of thunder and lightning accompanying the snow in many parts of Ontario, including Kingston. 

Skies will become partly cloudy tonight and Friday before more snow arrives for the weekend. High temperatures today will be around -3C (27F), with overnight lows dropping to -9C (16F).

Another winter storm on the way for Montreal

Road crews in southern Quebec have been kept busy over the last two weeks, as several major storms have impacted the region. Frequent snowfalls are forecast over the next two weeks along with some of the coldest air this winter arriving by Sunday. (Transport Quebec)

Snowfall warning issued for southern Quebec

Widespread snowfall and winter storm warnings are in effect across southern and eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. This includes the Highway 20/401 corridor as well as the major urban areas of Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Warnings are also in effect for upstate New York and New England.

Low pressure is forecast to strengthen and move from the Gulf States towards the Great Lakes and just south of Montreal, while a second storm center develops along the east coast. The St. Lawrence Valley will be in the sweet spot, with a general 15-25cm forecast, with the higher amounts looking more likely for metro Montreal. Gusty northeast winds will accompany the snow, between 30-50km/h producing areas of blowing snow.

Temperatures will remain below freezing for the duration of the storm, dropping to -12C (10F) overnight into Wednesday morning and slowly rising to around -4C (25F). The snow is expected to begin in Montreal by 4pm Wednesday afternoon, becoming heavy at times in the evening and early overnight before tapering to flurries on Thursday.

Expect a difficult commute both Wednesday evening and Thursday in Montreal. Snow is forecast across most of southern Ontario as well, so travel conditions will be challenging in those regions. Some freezing rain is possible along the US border and in the vicinity of Lake Ontario.

Colder temperatures are expected Friday behind the system, before more snow arrives on the weekend. Saturday is expected to be quite mild, above freezing at 2C (36F), before some of the coldest air this winter arrives on Sunday.

To date, Montreal has received 47.2cm of snow for the month of January.

Montreal settles into wintry weather pattern

A snowy Friday morning in Montreal after a fresh 11cm fell overnight. Snow and blowing snow will persist for the morning hours before tapering to flurries early this afternoon. (Valley Weather Photo)

As expected our current winter storm has delivered 10 to 15cm of fresh snow to southern Quebec overnight, and it is still snowing and blowing early Friday morning. As of 7am, 11cm had fallen at Trudeau Airport, with another area of snow arriving in the city over the last hour. Expect close to 5cm of additional snowfall today, before the storm system moves off to the east. Some freezing drizzle has been reported around Massena and Cornwall. Gusty northeast winds are occurring as well, in the 30 to 50km/h range here in the St. Lawrence Valley, producing areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Roads are snow covered and slippery for your morning commute, so slow and steady will win the race today. The snow will taper to flurries this afternoon, along with steady temperatures around -1C (30F). Look for cloudy skies overnight and Saturday, with perhaps a few breaks of sunshine. Lows overnight will drop to around -7C (19F), with a high of -3C (27F) Saturday and again on Sunday.

By Sunday, another area of low pressure will be developing across the southern and central portions of the US, moving east/northeast along the eastern seaboard. This storm will deliver another round of snow to New England and edging into southern Quebec. Montreal should remain on the far western side of this storm, with perhaps another 5-10cm late Sunday into Monday. There are still details to work out on this storm. By Tuesday and Wednesday, yet another storm is expected in our region, this one producing mixed precipitation. Again their remains lots of uncertainty in the forecast models so we need a little more time to fine-tune the details. One thing is certain, we are in a very progressive weather pattern currently, with frequent, fast-moving storm systems forecast every couple of days over the next few weeks.

Drive safe today. Enjoy your weekend.

Series of winter storms to impact southern Quebec

Despite the very mild temperatures this month in Montreal, we have managed to accumulate 31.2cm of snow to date at Trudeau Airport. If it does not feel like winter in Montreal, at the very least it is starting to look like it. We should add to that total considerably over the next week or so. (Valley Weather Photo)

We are beginning an active period of weather over the next week or so, as a series of winter storms will pass south of Montreal. While none are showing signs of being the big one of the season, they will certainly provide nuisance amounts of plowable snow.

The first storm developed over Colorado and is spreading snow across the midwest and into the Great Lakes Thursday morning. Freezing rain is occurring as well along and just to the south of the warm front associated with the storm. There is even some liquid precipitation falling in southwestern Ontario. If your travel plans take you along Highway 401, expect icy roads this afternoon.

As the system moves across upstate New York, a period of steady snow will develop across eastern Ontario, and southwestern Quebec late this evening and into the overnight. A quick 5-10cm of snow is expected in Montreal, with amounts approaching 15cm along the US border. The snow will taper to flurries on Friday. Winter weather advisories are in effect across New York, New England and Ontario, but nothing here at this time in southern Quebec. Gusty northeast winds up to 50km/h will develop overnight, resulting in areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility. Temperatures will be around -3C (27F). Expect a slow commute Friday morning across the region.

After a break on Saturday, another larger storm system is forecast to move just inland along the US eastern seaboard. This system will produce heavy snow across New England, while Montreal should remain on the edge of the storm. At this time, another 10 to perhaps 15cm of snow is forecast here in the St. Lawrence Valley. The snow will begin late Sunday, impacting the Monday morning commute in Montreal.

By late Tuesday and Wednesday, a third storm is expected to follow a similar path to the first along the east coast. Another 5 to 10cm is possible in Montreal. Amounts and timing of the precipitation is subject to change based on the final track of the storm systems.

Temperatures will remain above normal values for late January, but will stay below freezing for the duration of all three storms.

To date 108.8cm of snow has fallen at Trudeau Airport, with 138.6cm falling in Ottawa.

Freezing drizzle forecast for Montreal overnight - more snow expected by Thursday

A weak weather system will produce some light snow and freezing drizzle this evening and overnight in the Montreal region.

A weak frontal boundary is moving along the 401 corridor late this afternoon, spreading an area of light snow and freezing rain into eastern Ontario. Precipitation should arrive in the Montreal region early this evening, in the form of a mix of very light freezing rain and snow. Expect 1-3cm of precipitation including some ice accretion.

While we are not expecting heavy amounts of snow an ice, it does not take much to make roads and sidewalks slippery. Precipitation will taper off to freezing drizzle overnight and early Wednesday morning before ending by noon. A freezing drizzle advisory has been posted for the Ottawa Valley and parts of eastern Ontario, with a winter weather advisory for upstate New York and Vermont. At this time, no weather warnings have been issued for metro Montreal. If you are driving this evening and overnight, expect icy patches and snow covered roads in spots. Untreated surfaces will be slippery.

Temperatures will remain fairly steady overnight, around -4C (25F), warming up to 1C (34F) on Wednesday.

A larger storm system is expected to impact our region late Thursday into Friday, with a moderate snowfall. Low pressure is forecast to move from Colorado towards the Great Lakes by Thursday and then south of Montreal. At this time, it appears that areas closer to the Ontario and US border will receive the heaviest amount of snow. Montreal is looking at 5-10cm, however those amounts may change based on the evolution of the system and the final track. Secondary low pressure is also expected to develop along the US east coast, which will only complicate the forecast. Stay tuned!

Winter storm warning in effect for metro Montreal

Another winter storm with mixed precipitation if forecast for metro Montreal, southern Quebec and Ontario Thursday into Friday. A storm total of 20-30cm of precipitation is forecast across all regions, however some locations will receive that in liquid form and not the frozen type. This is especially true along and south of the St. Lawrence River.

A messy winter storm is expected to impact southern Quebec and eastern Ontario over the next 36 hours. Low pressure is strengthening across the Ohio valley on Thursday, and is expected to pass near or just south of Montreal on Friday. Precipitation is already overspreading the region, associated with a warm front lifting northward. Montreal can expect light snow Thursday, with a couple of centimetres possible.

As warmer air moves north, most of the precipitation will mix with and change to freezing rain and rain south of the St. Lawrence River. Enough cold air may remain in Montreal to sustain snowfall, but it will be close. The high today and Friday is expected close to 0C (32F), however  just a nudge north with the warm front and we would have all liquid precipitation.

At this time, Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for most of southern Quebec, including metro Montreal, Gatineau, the Laurentians and Quebec City region. The Townships are excluded as more rain is forecast there and along the US border.

In terms of amounts, expect 20-30cm for the Ottawa Valley and points north of Montreal. In metro Montreal a wide range from south to north is expected with 10-25cm. The snow will be heavy at times, reducing visibility. The Friday morning commute will be messy with mixed precipitation in Montreal. The mix should turn back to all snow mid morning in the city before tapering off late in the day.

Temperatures will begin to fall Friday, down to a low of -9C (16F) by Saturday morning. The weekend at this time looks bright and sunny, but chill, around -5C (23F). Perfect to clean up and get out and enjoy the fresh snow. The ski areas north of Montreal will benefit greatly from this storm, not so much in the Eastern Townships and New England.

Another messy winter storm on the way for southern Quebec

Umbrella or shovel? Just about every winter storm this season has been accompanied by a swath of warm air that has changed the snow to rain. In between the changeover, freezing rain and ice pellets have often fallen in significant quantities across the Montreal region.

A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for metro Montreal and all of southern Quebec for Thursday night into Friday.

I miss the days when a snowstorm was a snowstorm. It seems most of the recent storms that impact Montreal and southern Quebec, are accompanied by myriad of precipitation types. The upcoming winter storm, currently developing over Colorado, will unfortunately be no different. The system is forecast to strengthen as it moves from the Rockies towards the Great Lakes. Numerous computer models have the storm passing very close to Montreal, with just enough warm air moving into our region to change the snow to freezing rain and eventually rain on Friday.

Before then, we are looking at some rare sunshine Wednesday and to start the day on Thursday, before clouds begin to thicken and lower. Temperatures are rather cold Wednesday, with a current reading of -9C (16F) at Trudeau. This morning was the coldest of the winter so far with a low near -13C (9F). We have another cold night on tap tonight, dropping to -10C (14F), before a warm front associated with the aforementioned storm begins to lift north from the Ohio Valley.

A swath of snow will affect eastern Ontario and southern Quebec on Thursday and Friday. Precipitation will likely change to rain across extreme southern portions of both provinces on Friday. North of Montreal, snow will accumulate more than 15cm. (AccuWeather.com)

Precipitation will move into southern Ontario on Thursday, arriving in the Montreal region after the evening commute. As the main area of low pressure moves along or just south of the St. Lawrence Valley, the precipitation will become steadier. South of the low, expect a rain and snow mix, with all precipitation changing over to rain on Friday across the border regions and into New York and New England. Along the track, specifically in the Montreal region, we can expect at least 10cm of snow before mixing with and changing to freezing rain and eventually a cold rain Friday. Unfortunately there may be several hours of freezing rain once again for Montreal.

North of the city, including Ottawa and Quebec City, the precipitation will likely remain as all snow, with over 15cm possible. Weather warnings will be needed for most regions. Details will become more specific as the event draws closer and the track becomes a little more clear. Recent model runs have shown colder air slow to retreat for the St. Lawrence Valley on Friday, further complicating the upcoming forecast.

Temperatures will be at or slightly above freezing on Friday in Montreal. Throughout the storm, expect gusty northeast winds 30 to 50km/h. Some blowing snow is possible, especially over the Laurentians and Quebec City regions.

Minor earthquake shakes Montreal region

Accord to the USGS, the tremor was centered 4 kilometres south of Pointe Calumet.

A minor earthquake centered 4 kilometres south of Pointe Calumet, gently shook the Montreal region early Saturday morning. According to the United States Geological Survey, the tremor registered 2.5 on the Richter Scale at a depth of 10.2km, occurring at 4:59 AM EST. Earthquakes Canada is reporting the tremor as a 2.9 on the Richter Scale.

The rumble and shake was heard and felt across southwestern Quebec from Vaudreuil to Laval.  I was awake and definitely heard it here on Ile Perrot, but there was no shaking. The distant rumble lasted approximately 15 seconds. No damage has been reported.

Icy commute for Montreal - power out to over 30,000

Crews have been busy overnight plowing away the 10mm of ice and sleet that fell across the Montreal region. A thin icy glaze covers trees, cars and sidewalks. The messy mix fell in the city, while south and west of the island, mostly freezing rain occurred overnight. Over 29,000 Hydro-Québec clients are without power across the Montérégie Thursday morning. (Valley Weather Photo)

Light freezing drizzle continues to fall in Montreal early Thursday morning, after close to 10mm of ice and sleet accumulated overnight. Main roads are in good condition, with plowing and salting taking place. Residential roads, parking lots and sidewalks are extremely slippery with a crust of ice and snow.

The heaviest freezing rain has fallen where we expected it to, from Ile Perrot south and west to the US border and into extreme eastern Ontario. Hydro-Québec is reporting over 30,000 customers without power as of 6am, the majority of those, over 29,000 in the Montérégie, south of Montreal.

The bulk of the precipitation is now over, and the freezing rain warning should expire shortly. The balance of the day will be cloudy, with scattered flurries or freezing drizzle, and gusty northeast winds up to 40km/h. The high will be near 0C (32F). Flurries persist into the overnight and Friday, with lows of -3C (27F) and the high once again Friday near the freezing point.

Freezing rain warning posted for southern Quebec

Widespread freezing rain is expected tonight along the St. Lawrence Valley, with between 2-15mm of ice accretion expected. Freezing rain warnings have been issued for metro Montreal.

On this 25th anniversary of the great ice storm of 1998, we have a freezing rain warning posted for metro Montreal. We are not expecting a big storm, but travel will be tricky Thursday morning.

A messy weather system is expected to spread mixed precipitation into southern Ontario and Quebec over the next 36 hours. A warm front will move northward today very close to the international border tonight before it settles back south again. Low pressure will move along that front and spread precipitation into the region by the late afternoon in Ontario and the evening hours here in Montreal. 

At this time, we can expect a prolonged period of freezing rain in the St. Lawrence Valley. The freezing rain will begin by 9pm in Montreal, mixed with ice pellets and snow at times. Amounts of frozen precipitation will vary considerably across the region, with 2-5mm of ice accretion forecast for the island of Montreal along with up to 10cm of mixed snow and ice pellets. 

North of the city, more snow is expected, with 10-15cm. Across the southwest portion of Quebec, including Vaudreuil and Valleyfield, heavier amounts of freezing rain are expected, with as much as 10-15mm of ice accretion. That amount is certainly capable of creating difficult driving and walking conditions, as well as isolated power outages and tree damage.

Temperatures will be mild today, around 2C (36F), but cold air will begin to undercut the warm air tonight, with the mercury falling to the freezing point in Montreal and down to -4C (26F) by Thursday morning. Accompanying the precipitation will be increasing northeast winds of 30-70km/h, drawing in the colder air and allowing for the frozen precipitation.