Winter weather returns to Montreal to start the holidays

A clipper system brought a slushy 1-3cm of snow to southern Quebec on Wednesday evening. Another shot of snow Friday, followed by the coldest air of the season, will likely result in a white Christmas for Montreal. This has been rather difficult to obtain in recent years, with six of the last ten years officially green at Trudeau Airport. Environment Canada defines a white Christmas as at least 2cm of snow on the ground at 7AM on December 25.

Expect another shot of light snow for Montreal late Friday into early Saturday, followed by the coldest air of the season to date this weekend.

With Christmas and the holidays right around the corner, colder weather is on the way as early as Thursday. But will it last?

The reality of the fall and winter season this year as it was in 2023, is that we cannot sustain cold air for very long. The result has been above to well-above normal temperatures, interrupted by a day or two of cold weather.

We experienced that this week, with the coldest air of the season to date arriving last weekend, followed by temperatures soaring to nearly 8C (48F) on Tuesday, with rain. So far this month, as a result of the mild temperatures, we have had 46.8mm of rain, with only 24.2cm of snow falling at Trudeau. Only a trace of snow fell in the city in November. Very little remains on the ground.

That brings us to the current forecast and any hopes for a whiter Christmas. A clipper system moved south of the province on Tuesday, with a messy mix of rain and snow in Montreal. In the end, a slushy 1-3cm of snow fell, that has since frozen Thursday morning as temperatures fall quickly behind the system. We will drop to -8C (17F) late Thursday afternoon, and -12C (10F) by Friday morning.

WINTER SOLSTICE

Winter officially arrives at 4:21 AM Saturday morning, and with it will be coldest air of the season so far as temperatures drop to -18C (0F) or colder for morning lows and struggle into the minus teens for daytime highs. The cold will be accompanied by gusty northwest winds and biting windchill values. On Friday, we can expect another 2-4cm of snow as a second clipper system slides to the south of Montréal.

This low will eventually merge with a developing coastal low bringing Atlantic Canada a significant storm.

For Christmas and the holidays, southern Quebec can expect a warming trend once again, with highs approaching the freezing point in Montreal by Boxing Day. While no major storms are on the horizon currently, there will be some nuisance precipitation for most of next week.

Heavy rainfall warning posted for southern Quebec

An icy glaze coats the trees and roads early Tuesday morning after close to 9mm of mixed precipitation fell on the Montréal region overnight. More rain is on the way over the next 24-36 hours. (Valley Weather Photo)

Freezing Rain Warning through 11AM.

Heavy Rain Warning Wednesday.

Storm one is nearly done for Montreal, storm two is on the way.

We still have some very light freezing rain and drizzle around southern Quebec Tuesday morning, making for a slippery commute. Late Monday and overnight, close to 9mm of precipitation fell on the city, first as snow and blowing snow, followed by freezing rain since midnight. Temperatures remain stubbornly below freezing in the St. Lawrence Valley, currently -2C (29F) here on Ile Perrot. The freezing rain should end by noon as temperatures warm to a high of 4C (39F).

A heavy rainfall warning goes into effect this evening for Montreal and the Eastern Townships, with flood watches across Vermont and parts of New England. Deepening low pressure will lift from the middle Atlantic states across New Hampshire and into southern Quebec on Wednesday. The storm will draw in deep Atlantic moisture, producing heavy rain across our regions. The combination of heavy rain, melting snow and frozen ground, will create significant runoff and rises in area lakes and rivers. At this time 25-50mm is forecast through early Thursday. As the storm moves north of our region, cold air will filter in chaning any leftover rain to snow. A few centimetres are possible.

As temperatures drop on Thursday, we can expect very icy conditions. In addition to the heavy rain, winds will begin to increase, especially on Thursday, gusting up to 70km/h at times.

Stormy weather week ahead for the St. Lawrence Valley

Between 10 and 20cm of snow fell across the Montreal region Saturday night and early Sunday morning as the first widespread storm of the season moved across southern Québec. After a breezy, cold Monday, more snow, freezing rain and rain is on the way for the balance of the work week.

Expect difficult driving conditions at times this week, with a wide variety of precipitation and highly changeable temperatures across the region.

We can expect a brief break on Monday between the 10 and 20cm of snow that fell over the weekend and our next storm system rapidly on the horizon. It will be a very stormy week here in southern Quebec. The temperature roller coaster will persist as warm and cold air continues to battle over our region. After a cold, windy day Monday, with a high of -5C (23F), temperatures will rise on Tuesday, well-above freezing to 4C (39F).

Before then however, we can expect a burst of moderate snow right around the evening commute Monday, as a warm front lifts northeast across the region. The snow will certainly have an impact on the rush hour drive in Montreal, with as much as 5cm of snow this evening. As temperatures rise overnight, the snow will mix with and change to freezing rain in the St. Lawrence Valley, with a couple of millimetres of ice accretion possible. The freezing rain will taper off to showers Tuesday morning. Expect icy roads for the Tuesday morning commute.

Streets were snow covered across the Montreal region in the pre-dawn hours Sunday morning, but quick work by Transport Quebec and contractors, as well as milder temperatures Sunday, quickly melted the snow from most roads.

On Wednesday, a more impactful storm system is forecast to develop along the eastern seaboard and deepen rapidly as it moves north across New England and into Quebec. Heavy rain is forecast, with as much as 25mm for many locations in southern Quebec including Montreal. Temperatures will be very mild with the system, up to 5C (41F), so expect lots of melting and ponding of water. Some minor flooding is possible, especially south and east of the city and across Vermont and parts of New York State.

Further west in the Ottawa Valley, less rain is expected, but more snow may fall as that region drops below freezing earlier on Wednesday.

Another component of the storm will be strong winds, gusting up to 70km/h at times. As the storm moves northeast of Montreal, a strong cold front will sweep east bringing much colder temperatures along with a rapid freeze as any leftover rain changes to snow Wednesday night.

Thursday will be windy and colder with clearing skies, a brief break again before yet another storm arrives next weekend with more precipitation.

Another round of snow for Montreal & southern Quebec

Winter driving conditions are back across southern Quebec and the Montreal region, with another 10-15cm of snow forecast Saturday night, followed by more snow and freezing rain for the week ahead.

Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Valley, with snowfall warnings for the Laurentians and Gatineau regions.

A potent Alberta Clipper will move across southern Quebec late Saturday into Sunday morning, with a quick burst of moderate snow. The snow is already spreading across eastern Ontario and should arrive in southern Quebec over the next few hours. Expect a quick 10cm of snow for most locations, including Montreal, with as much as 15cm across the Laurentians and Ottawa Valley.

Roads will become snow covered and slippery Saturday night, and visibility will lower to under a kilometre or two in moderate snow at times. Expect conditions to improve Sunday morning as temperatures rise close to the freezing point and precipitation tapers off to drizzle. 

The weather will remain very active this week, as several storm systems and frontal boundaries traverse the region. We are looking at a messy mix of precipitation across the area, with more snow, freezing rain and rain likely. The time frame to watch for mixed precipitation will be late Monday and again Wednesday evening. The entire mess will freeze up Thursday behind a cold front as temperatures drop.

Winter driving is certainly back so plan for a slippery week ahead at times, starting Saturday evening.

Finally the first snow of the season for Montreal

A snowy scene along Senneville Road after the first snowfall of the season on Thursday morning.

Snow has finally fallen across the Montreal region, with between 5 and 10cm accumulating for most locations in southern Quebec since late Wednesday. The snow was wet in nature, mostly falling overnight and into the Thursday morning commute. This guaranteed long travel times to work for many, with it taking no less than 45 minutes for me just to leave Ile Perrot this morning.

Plows and salters have done the job, and mild temperatures are helping melt the snow on most primary roads. However as temperatures drop this evening and winds increase, I expect we will have some slick spots around southern Quebec for the afternoon commute into the evening hours.

The snow has tapered off for the moment, as low pressure skirts along the international border and towards Atlantic Canada today. Temperatures are rather mild in Montreal, and should remain close to the freezing point for most of the day. A potent arctic boundary will arrive later this afternoon, accompanied by some snow squall activity. While the precipitation should be brief in nature, there may be some moderate snow falling along the front.

The commute was long for many Thursday morning as the first snow of the season fell across the Montreal region.

Winds will also increase along and behind the front, gusting in excess of 50km/h at times in Montreal. Temperatures are expected to fall quickly behind the boundary, down to -7C (19F) tonight, and remaining there on Friday. The end of the week will be cold and blustery, feeling like mid-winter, but it will be short-lived, with milder weather and even some mixed precipitation or rain returning by Monday.

The aforementioned arctic front is creating havoc across the Great Lakes region Thursday morning. Winds are gusting close to 100km/h across parts of northeast Ohio, Michigan, New York and Ontario, along with heavy snow and near-blizzard conditions at times for some.

Another round of lake effect snow will ramp up today into Friday, making travel difficult, if not impossible across several regions. This will impact Highways 401 and 403 in Ontario, as well as Interstates 81 and 90 in New York. Keep this in mind if you have travel plans south and west of Montreal. Some of the same locations that received over 100cm last weekend will be impacted again. The weight of the snow has caused damage to structures and trees across the lake effect zones.

Winter trying to return to Montreal - epic Great Lakes storm hammers NY & Ontario

A New York State Police vehicle blocks the entrance to a snow covered road in western New York, after an epic lake effect snowstorm dumped feet of snow on the region over the weekend. Montreal was left with only a few flakes around and little more. (New York State Police)

An Alberta Clipper type storm will skirt along the International border Wednesday into Thursday bringing gusty winds and the first significant snowfall of the season to Montreal.

While we are counting snowfall in flakes, parts of the Great Lakes were counting in metres! Over the weekend, arctic air flowing over the wide open and warm Great Lakes, produced epic amounts of snowfall to the south and east of the lakes. Off Lake Huron, close to 140cm of snow fell along provincial highway 11, stranding hundreds of motorists. The highway is slowly being reopened this morning after OPP and crews removed the abandoned vehicles. The weight of the snow also caused problems with power lines, trees and in some cases roofs of homes.

A dusting of snow on Ile Perrot Monday morning, as most of the lake effect remained well to our south and west over New York and Ontario.

Meanwhile south of the border it was much of the same from northwest Pennsylvania into western New York where 4 to 6 feet of lake effect snow piled up from Erie, towards Buffalo and along Interstate 81 in Watertown. There as well, thousands of cars and trucks were stuck for hours along the New York State Thruway.

More lake effect snow is on the way this week. While here in southern Québec, a few weak frontal boundaries, such as the one early Tuesday morning, have resulted in scattered snow showers. Depending where you are on the Island of Montreal, the ground may be white. The net result has been just a trace to perhaps a centimetre. Despite the light amounts, the nature of the snow falling on relatively warm surfaces, has created lots of black ice and the typical response from drivers. There have been many accidents across both eastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec since Sunday.

The bottom line, slow down, make sure you have winter tires on and that your windows are clear of snow and ice. Prepare for winter driving as we can expect accumulating snow Wednesday.

A quick moving low pressure system will move across the Great lakes and into southern Quebec on Wednesday. Mild, moist air flowing north along the track will result in a period of snow for the city starting late Wednesday. Montreal and most of southern Quebec can expect 5-10cm, with perhaps lose to 15cm locally. Accompanying the system will be gusty winds, up to 50km/h, producing some blowing snow, especially Thursday as temperatures drop behind the storm. Expect snow covered rods and slow commute times for Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.

Winter storm sliding south of Montreal across New England

Snow is falling south of Montreal across the Adirondacks and Green Mountains on this Thanksgiving Thursday in the US. So far the storm system is producing mainly light rain here in the St. Lawrence Valley. If you have travel plans south today, expect winter driving conditions. (New England 511)

Widespread weather warnings are in effect across New England today as a messy winter storm brings precipitation to our regions. 

A strengthening winter storm is forecast to move across southern New England on Thursday and into Atlantic Canada. The storm will spread a messy mix of snow and rain across the region during the busy US Thanksgiving Day travel period.

Already this morning, snow is falling in Vermont and New York, with widespread accumulations of 15-25cm forecast, especially across the higher elevations. Temperatures are just above freezing in the valley locations, including Montreal at 2C (36F), where light rain is occurring. The rain will gradually mix with and change to some light snow later today, with minimal accumulation expected in the Montreal region, perhaps a dusting north of the city. Up to 5cm is possible across the Eastern Townships tonight.

Behind the storm, the coldest air of the season thus far will pour across the Great Lakes turning on the snow machine. Widespread warnings are in effect across Ontario and New York for several feet of lake effect snow through Sunday night.

In southern Quebec we can expect occasional flurries through the weekend, as temperatures gradually cool to below freezing by Monday for daytime highs and lows.

If you have any travel plans today and into the weekend, expect highly changeable weather, from light rain, to heavy wet snow, with low visibility and snow covered roads. Winter is here, so adjust your driving.

Messy weather week ahead for Montreal with some snow

The first true winter weather of the season is upon us this week, with a series of low pressure systems and progressively colder air for southern Quebec. The first threat will arrive early Tuesday morning as rain falls across the region. Some locations, especially in the Ottawa Valley and north of Montreal will be cold enough for freezing rain and even snow. Prepare for the onset of winter travel conditions this week.

Freezing Rain Warning issued for Montreal and Ottawa for Tuesday.

Winter Weather Advisory for parts of upstate New York and northern Vermont.

As expected, slightly colder air has returned to southern Quebec after our very warm fall. The result was a brisk weekend, with temperatures in the lower single digits and overnight lows below freezing. The outdoors felt quite a bit colder, with west winds gusting over 60km/h at times.

Monday will be the calm before the stormy weather as an active weather patter is upon us. We can expect partly cloudy skies, stiff winds and highs near 5C (41F). Our weather will begin to change this evening and for the duration of the forecast period. Clouds will increase tonight, with lows of -2C (29F). 

On Tuesday, strengthening low pressure will lift across the Ohio Valley, passing to the northwest of Montreal. A warm front will approach the St. Lawrence Valley Tuesday morning, accompanied by rain and freezing rain. Depending on the surface temperatures at your location when the precipitation begins, a few hour of freezing rain will be possible. My thinking at this time is that the greatest threat will be across the Ottawa Valley as well as north of Montreal. Some regions may even start out with a period of snow, perhaps as much as 5-10cm in the Laurentians and upper Ottawa Valley.

Southerly winds will push the temperature well above freezing in Montreal, to 7C (45F) Tuesday afternoon, with any leftover precipitation falling in the liquid form. If you have any travel plans early Tuesday morning, be prepared for winter driving conditions and icy roads in spots.

First Snowfall?

A trailing cold front later in the day will usher back in more seasonable air, with high temperatures very close to the freezing point for the balance of the work week and beyond. Overnight lows will also turn colder, well-below freezing. There will be the threat for additional snowfall in Montreal as we end November, especially late Thursday and Friday when a coastal storm passes to our south. The exact track of that storm as it evolves will determine how much snow, if any, our region receives, but the potential is there for measurable snow.

Storms avoid Montreal for now - warmest fall on record

Montreal is still waiting for our first measurable snowfall of the season, while the southern Prairies, including Regina shown above, have been plunged into mid-winter conditions, with heavy snow and frigid cold. (CBC SASKATCHEWAN)

Montreal in on the verge of setting the record for the warmest meteorological fall on the record books. The current average temperature for the months of September, October and November combined, sits at 11C (52F), tied with the 2023 record and just 0.1C above the 2017 benchmark. You see the trend here, which has also pushed back the average arrival of the first 5cm snowfall in Montreal to the end of the month or even early December at best. 

As a mater of fact, only a trace of snow has been observed in the city to date, with the average for November being 16cm. Many major US cities including Cleveland, Chicago and Detroit, as well as the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania to North Carolina have measure snow before Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.

The current complex storm system produced snow last evening across northern Ohio as well as western New York and the Adirondacks. Further north a soaking rain fell across parts of eastern Ontario, with just 7mm measured at my home on Ile Perrot. The bulk of the heaviest rain remained to the south and west of Montreal. Our monthly total sits at only 34.4mm, with officially 0cm of snow.

Meanwhile the coldest air with our current system also stayed west of Montreal, with temperatures across southwestern Quebec in the 5C to 7C (40 to 45F) range. 

Friday morning an upper level low is drifting across central New York state, while surface low pressure develops along the east coast and drifts north into New England. The combination of both systems will keep damp, breezy and dreary weather in Montreal into the weekend, but no snow is expected for now. Temperatures are just too warm.

Looking ahead briefly into next week, colder air will try to make a run at eastern Canada, while a storm moves across the Ohio Valley. Chances for precipitation will increase again, with the potential for measurable snow in southern Quebec by the end of the week. For now we wait and see how cold our temperatures are.

If you want winter weather, head west. A strong storm system plowed into the BC coast this week, with heavy rain, snow and damaging winds gusting as high as 170km/h (105 mph) on the north coast of Vancouver Island. Meanwhile, 80km/h gusts occurred along the south coast. There was widespread power outages, structural damage, downed trees, with at least two fatalities in the Pacific Northwest.

Across the southern Prairies, a strong cold front ushered in mid-winter conditions, with the first snowstorm of the year on Tuesday, followed by arctic cold temperatures. Over 20cm of snow fell in Regina, with metre high drifts produced by 90km/h winds. More snow and cold is forecast this weekend and into next week. This morning while Montreal is 5C (41F), Saskatoon sits at -15C (5F).

Weather pattern change expected for southern Quebec

The weather this fall has been nothing short of spectacular in Montreal, with abundant sunshine, little rainfall, and temperatures well-above normal. We are starting to see a significant pattern change developing to end November and start December. While we can expect cooler temperatures and perhaps a few snowflakes, the weather will only be adjusting to seasonal normals for late November in Montreal and nothing too drastic. It still may be a shock to the system after such a warm fall.

Cooler wet weather on the way, with perhaps our first snowflakes in Montreal.

Until now most of this fall as been dry and warm. Temperatures have been running well-above normal values, along with sparse rainfall. The weather is expected to change significantly this week, with colder air and more wintry precipitation expected across a large portion of the country.

Before then, we can expect another fairly mild start to the work week, with high temperatures reaching the double digits yet again in Montreal, up to 10C (50F) Monday and Tuesday. A few very light showers Monday, will give way to high pressure and sunshine for both Tuesday and Wednesday.

At the same time, strengthening low pressure will bring a widespread snowfall along with gusty winds and much colder temperatures to the southern Prairie into northwest Ontario. By Thursday a developing upper level low will slip south across the Great Lakes, spinning up low pressure at the surface over southern New England. That storm system will result in a wet, cold and at times white period of weather for our region.

The combination of both systems will introduce slightly cooler air into southern Quebec, along with much needed rainfall, up to 25mm from Thursday into Saturday for Montreal. To date in November, we have only received 30mm of rain at Trudeau Airport. 

Most of our region has been dangerously dry this fall, stretching south into upstate New York and New England. There have been several brush fires, which is very unusual for November in our region. Normal precipitation for the month of November should be 84.2mm, that includes 16.3cm of snow. In October, Montreal only received 25mm of rain, the normal should be close to 103mm.

With cloud cover and a cold rain developing Thursday intoSaturday, temperatures will drop into the lower single digits for highs in Montreal and perhaps close to the freezing point for overnight lows. There may even be some upper elevation snowfall across the Laurentians and Eastern Townships with the system next weekend. Some computer models are hinting at 10-15cm of fresh snow for the ski regions south of Montreal. Time will tell.

SNOW?

Looking ahead, colder weather will prevail to end the month and to start December, with a couple of opportunities for our fist snowflakes of the season here in Montreal. We will get into the details in another post, but it looks like more seasonable weather is on the way. Get those winter tires on!

Colder weather week ahead for southern Quebec

Lest We Forget. Take time today to remember those who have served and continue to serve our great nation, so that we can enjoy the incredible freedom that we have in Canada.

The weather on this Remembrance Day Monday will be somewhat dreary as strong low pressure well north of the St. Lawrence Valley has lifted a warm front across Montreal this morning. If your are heading to any of the outdoor services in Montreal or Ottawa, dress for wet weather. Showers developed overnight and will persist most of the day. Close to 14mm has fallen at my weather station on Ile Perrot, much need moisture. Temperatures are mild, 10C (50F), with gusty southwest winds developing. Despite the cloud cover, the mild push of sir should drive the high today into the middle teens.

A strong cold front will push across the region late today. Temperatures will fall rapidly behind the front, down to the freezing point or perhaps below in a few spots by Tuesday morning. Strong southwest winds will develop late Monday, backing to the northwest overnight, gusting to 70km/h at times.

Winter weather has been hard to find across most of southern Canada. That was not the case in Colorado and New Mexico, and across the southern Rockies as strong low pressure produced a huge snowfall for many locations. Close to 50cm fell across the metro Denver region, the biggest November snowstorm in nearly 4 decades. (Accu-Weather Photo)

Some potent showers will accompany the front. Those showers could mix with a little wet snow or flurries overnight, especially across the higher elevations of the Laurentians and Eastern Townships.

Tuesday will be blustery and much colder, with winds of 30-50km/h and daytime highs struggling to reach 5C (41F). The balance of the week will be fair, but chilly. An Atlantic Canada storm system on the weekend may retrograde enough to produce some clouds and precipitation on Saturday, but that is not a certainty at all.

The storm that is affecting Quebec today, produced a record-breaking snowstorm across the southern Rockies in Colorado and New Mexico. Denver had its biggest November snowstorm in decades, with 49cm measured. Other locations south of Denver recorded as much as 135cm. It was a top 5 storms fro many localities across Colorado.

On the warm side of the storm, severe thunderstorms Sunday afternoon and evening produced some wind damage across southwest Ontario. There was even a rare November nocturnal tornado warned storm between Goderich and London, very uncommon north of the 45th at this time of year.

Another warm and windy Wednesday in Montreal

Despite the dwindling daylight, November is starting out much the same way the rest of the fall has been to date, warm, dry and windy. With the exception of a few days scattered about, most of the time, temperatures have been above to well-above the long-term average. (Valley Weather)

It seems we have a trend this fall of record-breaking warmth on Wednesdays. Last week we managed back to back records of 22.7C (72F) and 24.4C (76F). Today, the temperature is knocking on the door of the 1948 record of 21.7C (71F) at this hour, currently 21.4C (70F). Record or not, today's high is way above the normal of 7C (45F), but as I wrote last week, what is "normal" anymore when it comes to our weather. 

Gusty southwest winds ahead of a cold front are responsible for the surge in warm air. They are reaching speeds of 60-70km/h here in the St. Lawrence Valley. Hydro-Quebec is reporting scattered power outages as a result of the wind, with just over 13,000 in the dark.

Temperatures will begin to cool once again this evening, dropping to 9C (48F) tonight and remaining fairly steady on Thursday. A few showers are possible, but the bulk of the moisture with this system will remain well to our north.

High pressure will build into southern Quebec for a sunny, but chill Saturday, before clouds, warmer temperatures and some rainfall arrive for Sunday into Monday.

The current trend of a cool day or two, followed by a significant warming trend is expected to persist well into November.

October was warm and dry in Montreal. We only measured 25mm of rain, well below the normal of 91.3mm. The average temperature at Trudeau Airport was 11C, also well-above the normal of 8.9C.

Rare nocturnal November tornadoes produced widespread damage around Oklahoma City on Saturday night and Sunday morning. (KOCO)

Active Weather

The central portion of the continent has had some very active weather over the course of the past week, including some rare November tornadoes. At least a half dozen tornadoes occurred across parts of Texas and Oklahoma on Sunday. Numerous homes were demolished, with at least 11 injuries reported. There were also reports of significant flash flooding, with up to 300mm of rain falling from north Texas into Missouri.

NOAA satellite image of strengthening hurricane Rafael on Wednesday morning, located 205 kilometres south of Havana, Cuba.

Meanwhile the topics have awakened again. Early Wednesday morning, Rafael became a hurricane, located 205 km south, southeast of Havana, Cuba. Rafael has 175km/h winds and is expected to strengthen to a category 3 storm before landfall in western Cuba late Wednesday. Forecasters then expect the storm to meander around the southern Gulf of Mexico into the weekend, while weakening. So far the only impacts to the US mainland are expected to be gusty winds and a 3 foot storm surge in the lower Florida Keys.

Record-breaking warm Halloween for Montreal

This certainly is a most sincere pumpkin patch. Perhaps this and the record-breaking warmth forecast in Montreal for Halloween will allow us to finally meet The Great Pumpkin!

Warm and windy Halloween forecast for Trick or Treating in Montreal.

It is hard to believe that Halloween is upon us and equally hard to believe we are going to have temperatures in the middle 20s. A warm front lifted northeast across the St. Lawrence Valley late on Tuesday, ushering in warm southwest winds. Temperatures have soared in Montreal on Wednesday, reaching 23C (73F) on Ile Perrot as I write. That is 14 degrees above normal. It is currently 22.5 C (72F) at Trudeau Airport, breaking the record for today's date of 21.3C set in 2012.

On Thursday, we will break the record high of 21.7C (71F) that was established way back on Halloween in 1956. The forecast high is 23C (73F), but it may be even warmer, depending on cloud cover. This occurring in the same week when we had our coldest morning so far this season, -6C on Monday morning. Many locations even had some snow on the ground late Monday across eastern Ontario and northern New England. It truly is a roller coaster ride this season.

Cold temperatures and gusty winds early this week allowed the leaves to fall in bunches on Ile Perrot and across the Montreal region. Another round of strong winds is expected Thursday and Friday, first from the southwest up to 50km/h, backing to the northwest on Friday, 20-40km/h. That should pull down many of the remaining leaves from the trees across Southern Quebec.

The warm front produced about 8mm of rain in the Montréal region Tuesday, while across the Ottawa Valley, some surprise pop up thunderstorms produced heavy rain and hundreds of lightning strikes.

Partly cloudy skies and very warm temperatures are expected on Thursday, ahead of a cold front. Gusty southwest winds will reach speeds of 30-50km/h, likely blowing what is left of the leaves off the trees. The weather should remain dry for Trick or Treaters, with showers moving in towards the end of the evening as a cold front arrives from Ontario.

That front will drop temperatures sharply all day Friday to lows of -1C (30F) by Saturday morning. The weekend should be fair, but chilly, especially in relation to our current weather. Expect daytime high temperatures between 6C-10C (43F-50F).

No major cold spells or snow is in our future at this time.

The October temperature roller coaster ride continues

A tradition of mine that goes back years is to take a photo with the date of the first frost each year. Over the years, it has been as early as September and most recently as late as mid-November. This year was right around the average here on Ile Perrot, last Thursday, October 17, when the temperatures dipped to 0C (32F) at my home. More frost is expected by next Monday, but the growing season has officially come to end for our region for 2024. 

At times this month the weather has resembled that of an actual October in Montreal. Other days, we have had summerlike temperatures, that would include Wednesday, when highs sat just below the 1979 record of 25C (77F). I recorded 24.7C (76F) at my home on Ile Perrot, with the warmest air in the country located across eastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec along the St. Lawrence Valley. Gusty southwest winds ahead of a cold front, helped to boost the mercury. It was the fourth day in a row of 20C plus temperatures and the 7th time in October. The normal high should be 12C (54F), with a low of 3C (38F).

Spectacular weather and bursting colours reaching peak, allowed for great foliage viewing this past weekend across southwestern Quebec. Gusty winds up to 60km/h and cooler overnight temperatures are starting to strip the leaves form the trees as we pass peak viewing here in Montreal. 

The warm temperatures followed a week where many locations had thick frost and freezing temperatures, with snow falling across the mountain tops. That brings us to this morning. A potent cold front moved through the region late Wednesday and overnight, with some showers, but mostly a wind shift to the northwest and dropping temperatures. Montreal is currently 7C (45F) and will warm only slightly today to around 10C (50F) with clearing skies. Moderate winds will make it feel quite cold outdoors, especially after our summer warmth of late.

The cold air is with us for the weekend, reinforced by another cold front Saturday. We will likely have more frost again Sunday night. The cold will not last long as the roller coaster ride persists. Another warm front late Tuesday will push highs again to or even above 20C by next Wednesday.

At this time we are looking at a breezy Halloween, with mild temperatures and perhaps a shower or two, but the forecast is a week out and the timing of the weather systems may change. Only slightly cooler air is anticipated for the start of November, as our very mild and dry fall continues.

Speaking of precipitation, only 1-2mm of rain fell on Wednesday afternoon, bringing the monthly total to 17.4mm. Normal rainfall for October in Montreal should be 89.1mm. Montreal had a record-breaking wet summer, but only 70mm of rain has been measured since September 1st.

After the first frost and snow, a significant warming trend forecast for Quebec & Ontario

Many regions outside of Montreal have had their first frost, freezing temperatures and even snow already this season. Tonight should be the first frost in metro Montreal. This week over 25cm of snow fell across many of the highest elevations of the Eastern Townships, Green Mountains and Adirondacks. Meanwhile here in Montreal it was cold, blustery 5 to 6mm of light rain. The month remains dry, with only 15.2mm falling a Trudeau Airport so far. (Photo Sugarbush Resort)

Frost Advisory in effect for southern Quebec

The growing season should come to end across our region Thursday and Friday mornings, as strong high pressure noses into the region. Light winds and clearing skies will allow temperature to fall rapidly after sunset. As a result, lows will drop to the freezing point in the city and below outside the metropolitan area.

While frost and even some snow have occurred across many parts of Quebec and New England this past week, we have yet to see any frost here in Montreal so far. With overnight lows in the 0C to -3C (27F to 32F) range by Thursday morning, that should change tonight for most of us.

The weather definitely felt like fall this week in Montreal. Temperatures were well-below normal through Wednesday, along with clouds and gusty winds. We have a couple of frosty mornings ahead, before strong high pressure ushers in much warmer air across southern Quebec through the upcoming weekend and beyond. (Valley Weather Photo)

Slow moving low pressure has been responsible for our chilly weather of late, with gusty northwest winds, showers and daytime highs under 10C (50F). The aforementioned high pressure that is building into our region will usher in a significant pattern change. Expect sunny days and clear nights through at least next Tuesday. Temperatures will start off chilly but warm to the middle and upper teens by the weekend, and close to 21C (70F) by early next week here in Montreal. The normal high/low for mid-October should be 12C (54F) and 3C (38F).

The showers that we have been experiencing in valley locations this past week, have been falling as now in many locations across the higher elevations of the Beauce, Eastern Townships, Green Mountains and Adirondacks. Elevations above 4000 feet, including Jay Peak, Mount Mansfield and Whiteface Mountain, which have received 25-40cm of fresh snow this week.

October-like weather just in time for Thanksgiving

A starry chilly morning on Monday, October 7, the coldest so far this fall, with morning lows near 2.8C (37F) here on Ile Perrot along with scattered frost. Many locations across Canada witnessed the northern lights this past week, but they were not visible at my home due to light pollution. (Valley Weather Photo)

The weather will finally start behaving like October here in Montreal. After an extremely warm September and early October, cooler weather arrived this week, just in time for the Thanksgiving long weekend. Temperatures have tumbled into the single digits for overnight lows, and have been struggling to reach 10C (50F) this week, along with clouds, gusty winds at times and a few sprinkles. The culprit has been a stubborn upper low moving slowly across southern Quebec from the Great Lakes.

Personally, I find it very cold. I think the warm September is to blame. I only began this week to wear jackets and long-sleeved shirts, prior to that it was all shorts. In recent years we have all become accustomed to the later arrival of fall and eventually winter weather. This has pushed our averages back by almost a month, so when the cooler weather does finally arrive, it can be quite a shock to the system. Even the foliage has been very slow to respond this autumn in Montreal, with plenty of green leaves still around. That may change in the next week or so.

We have still not received any general frost in the Montreal region, although we came close on Monday morning, when the low was 3C (38F). The weather remains rather dry as compared to our summer, with only 6.4mm of rainfall for the month of October at Trudeau Airport to date.

We can expect another chilly, cloudy day Thursday, with a high around 10C (50F). Friday will be the best day of the week and possibly for the next week and beyond, with sunny skies and an unseasonably warm high of 18C (65F). The normal high should be around 13C (55F). Enjoy the weather as we have a pattern change starting with the arrival of a cold front late in the day.

Expect a partly cloudy, chilly weekend, with a few showers around and daytime highs of 10 to 13C (50 to 55F) and overnight lows around 6C (43F). Another stronger cold front Sunday evening will usher in the coldest air this fall, along with some light rain. Monday will be cloudy, breezy and cold, with a daytime high of only 6C (43F) and and overnight low of 3C (38F). The colder air will remain with us next week.

Hurricane Milton makes landfall at Siesta Key, Florida

Hurricane Milton generated over three dozen tornadoes across the state of Florida with widespread damage observed including above at Palm Beach Gardens. (WeatherMatrix)

Powerful hurricane Milton moved inland Wednesday evening around 8:30PM near Siesta Key, Florida, just west of Sarasota. The storm had winds of 195km/h (120mph) at landfall. There were reports of significant damage in many locations, as winds gusted to 172km/h (107mph) at Venice Beach.

Thursday morning, Milton has moved back over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, located 120KM east-northeast of Cape Canaveral. Milton will now transition into a strong extratropical storm passing south of Bermuda over the next day or so.

Over 300mm of rain fell in just a few hours north of the track of hurricane Milton, producing widespread flash flooding. (St John's County Sherriff)

Back in Florida, power is out to over three million homes and businesses. Widespread damage has occurred, including a crane collapsing on the Tampa Bay Times Newspaper building in St. Pete, and the destruction of the roof at Tropicana Place, home of the MLB Rays in Tampa.

The big story with Milton will likely be the large tornado outbreak. Tornadoes are very common with landfalling hurricane, but they tend to be weaker and short-lived compared to their midwestern cousins. Such was not the case with Milton on Wednesday. Over 125 tornado warnings were issued across the state, with 38 confirmed tornadoes. Many of them were large, long-lasting wedge tornadoes, producing significant damage, injuries and loss of life. In St Lucie County, 4 deaths were reported.

Hydro One from Ontario has sent additional crews south to help with power restoration in Florida. Over 100 employees were already on the ground in Georgia helping to restore power lost during Hurricane Helene. (Hydro One)

In St Petersburg, over 400mm of rain fell in just a few hours producing flash flooding.

First responders are spreading out across the state Thursday morning to assess damage and search for those who may be injured or trapped in their homes.

Hurricane Milton was the third storm this year to hit Florida after Debby and Helene. While Milton was strong, dry air surging into the southern part of the storm just prior to landfall, helped to alleviate some of the impacts from the storm.

Hurricane Milton landfall expected Wednesday evening

Contractors have been busy since last Friday, rushing to clear away the tons of debris left behind by Hurricane Helene. The same area is now being evacuated for Hurricane Milton. The leftover debris could become lethal in strong winds and pounding surf. (JAX Today)

Powerful category 5 hurricane Milton continues to move towards the Florida Gulf Coast on Wednesday morning, located 405KM southwest of Tampa. Landfall is forecast by midnight Wednesday into early Thursday morning very close to Sarasota, Florida.

Milton currently has winds of 250km/h (155 MPH), a catastrophic category 5 storm, capable of a storm surge of 10-15 feet near and to the right of where the center crosses the coast. While some dry air is located to the north of the storm, possibly weakening Milton just prior to landfall, this will likely have minimal effect on the pounding surf and surge of water into the coast. Milton is the worst storm in over 100 years to threaten this region. 

Isolated tornadoes are also likely as Milton makes landfall and moves across the state, close to Orlando and eventually Daytona Beach along the east coast.

NOAA visible satellite image of Hurricane Milton early Wednesday morning, located 405 km southwest of Tampa Bay, moving northeast at 26km/h, with 250km/h (155MPH) winds. (NOAA)

Helene in late September created a massive storm surge in many of the same locations in west-central Florida, and mounds of debris remain. The debris will become lethal in strong winds and rapidly rising surf.

Evacuations have been rushed to completion, and the state has mobilized the National Guard. Resources have been pouring in from other states, including FEMA and over 43,000 linemen and women prepared to restore power to millions in the track.

Milton will sweep across the state on Thursday, spreading 200-400mm of rain towards the east coast of Florida, as well as tornadoes and 100mph plus winds. Widespread weather warnings are in effect for the entire state except the western panhandle, as well as the Georgia and South Carolina coastlines and the Bahamas.

This is a developing story and updates will be provided today at this link.

Extremely dangerous hurricane Milton heading for west central Florida

Hurricane Milton early Tuesday morning moving northeast away from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Milton will now take aim at west-central Florida, expected to make landfall late Wednesday near Tampa bay as a strong category three hurricane, with winds of up to 200km/h (125 mph). (NOAA)

Hurricane Milton became a powerhouse on Monday, deepening rapidly into a category 5 storm before weakening slightly late last evening. The storm was in a perfect environment to strengthen and did so at a record pace, dropping 70mb in less than 24 hours down to 897mb. Only hurricane Wilma in 2005 at 882mb was a stronger Gulf storm.

Milton went through what is know as an eyewall replacement last evening, common in very strong hurricanes. The pressure rose to 929mb as of 8am Tuesday, and the winds have backed off to 230km/h (145mph) after being as high as 280km/h (185mph) earlier in the day Monday.

Make no mistake, Milton is still a beast, as as the storm weakens slightly, the wind field is expanding as the storm moves northeast into the central Gulf of Mexico. Milton will be one of the strongest hurricanes on record to hit the west coast of Florida. Widespread hurricane warnings are in effect for the state, with mandatory evacuations well underway. 

Roads were jammed in and around Tampa Bay as residents fled north away from the direct impacts of Milton. Early Tuesday morning, Milton was located 880km southwest of Tampa Bay, moving east, northeast at 19km/h. The hurricane is expected to approach the Florida coast late Wednesday or in the wee hours Thursday morning. At this time, forecasters expect Milton to be a strong Category 3 storm when landfall occurs, very close to Tampa.

Hurricane Milton to impact Florida Gulf Coast

NOAA Satellite image of  a strengthening Hurricane Milton located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, just west of the Yucatan Peninsula on Monday morning. Milton is forecast to become a powerful category 4 hurricane as the storm heads for Florida's west coast. (NOAA/NWS)

Hurricane Milton developed over the weekend in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico, and is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane on Monday. Hurricane watches have been issued for the west coast of Florida, for some of the same regions hit by deadly Helene just over a week ago. Many of theses regions are still cleaning up debris and restoring power and water. Close to 250,000 residents remain without power from Helene across four southeastern states.

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in many coastal counties along Florida's west coast. These are some of the same areas pounded by storm surge flooding from Hurricane Helene on September 26. (NHC)

Early Monday morning, Hurricane Milton was located 1195km west, southwest of Tampa, moving east, southeast at 13km/h. Winds have increased to 205km/h, (125mph) with rapid intensification expected to continue today. Milton is currently a category 3 hurricane.  Forecasters expect Milton to turn towards the northeast at an increased forward speed, and approach the Florida Gulf Coast by Wednesday as a major category 3 or 4 hurricane.

Power remains out to over 250,000 residents across four southeastern US states. Over 100 Hydro-One employees from Ontario headed south late last week to assist Georgia Power in restoring power to nearly 125,000 clients in their state. Helene claimed over 225 lives and produced widespread damage in the billions across six states. (Hydro-One Photo)

Mandatory evacuations have already been ordered for many coastal counties. As we saw with Hurricane Helene, storm surge flooding can be very intense along the Gulf Coast. Two things you should know about Milton, the waters of the Gulf are very warm this year adding potent fuel to the storm and allowing it to intensify rapidly over the next day or so. The angle of approach to the west coast of Florida is very unusual, and this will only add to the level of the storm surge, espcially for the barrier islands and Tampa Bay. Milton is expected to cross the entire state of Florida from west to east, with the potential for significant damage and numerous impacts.

Hurricane Milton should cross the Florida peninsula on Thursday and move into the open waters of the Atlantic. At present, the storm is forecast to remain well south of New England, with zero impacts for our region.

After a warm September - more seasonable weather is on the way for Montréal

A spectacular Montreal sky late Tuesday, October 1st. While the month may have changed, the weather remained the same, warm and dry. September was a record warm month for the region, with rain falling on only three days. (Valley Weather Photo)

What a spectacular September the city of Montreal experienced weather wise. You can not ask for better, ending with a sunny, warm weekend. Even October 1st was well-above normal, with the high temperature peaking at 23.4C (74F), well-above the normal high of 15C (59F). 

And so it goes in our new reality, where September is no longer fall, but just an extension of summer. In fact, September 2024 was the warmest on record for Montreal, with 26 of the 30 days registering highs of 20C or warmer. This ties the record from 1872 and surpasses the 25 days recorded recently in 2021. The average for the month was 18.4C, the normal is 16C.

After the record-breaking rainfall of August, Montreal managed only 53mm of precipitation in September, falling on just three days. Speaking of August, the Insurance Bureau of Canada now estimates that the flood damage caused by Hurricane Debby will exceed $2.5 billion dollars in insurable losses across Quebec. So far in 2024, insurable losses due to weather related events will reach at least $7 billion dollars in Canada, the most ever recorded in one year. 

Looking ahead, we are finally seeing a pattern change evolving that will introduce colder air across the country. After a rather stagnant patter in eastern Canada, we will see a series of cold fronts beginning Wednesday and continuing into next week. Expect temperatures to fall back closer to normal values here in Montreal, along with precipitation. There is a chance for some gusty winds early next week as well, as the strongest of the cold fronts moves through on Monday. Behind that front, several areas in southern Ontario and Quebec may see frost for the first time this season.

After highs in the 20s, the mercury will fall into the middle and even lower teens next week. Overnight lows will drop into the single digits. Perhaps "true" fall is here, time will tell.

The summer of the flood continues across North America. Damage from natural disasters will runs into the billions across North America, including $7 billion in Canada. The flooding above was from Hurricane Helene last week after the storm dumped feet of rain in and around Asheville, North Carolina. (TWC)

One final note, the death toll from Hurricane Helene has now reached 160, with nearly 600 residents still missing across the flood ravaged southern Appalachians. The flood damage looks almost post-apocalyptic, with estimates running into the hundreds of billions of dollars in losses. Many communities remain isolated, after torrential rain swept through the region last Friday. Infrastructure and communications have been destroyed, with roads and bridges swept away. The hardest hit portions of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee bore the brunt of the flash flooding, while coastal communities in Florida suffered severe damage from storm surge.

Deadly Helene downgraded to tropical storm

Significant storm surge from Hurricane Helene has caused severe damage all along the Florida Gulf Coast, including Cedar Key, shown above. This is the same region that was hit hard by Hurricane Idalia in August 2023. (The Weather Channel)

Hurricane Helene became a monster on Friday, deepening rapidly to a category 4 hurricane with 250km/h winds and racing into the Big Bend region along Florida's Gulf Coast. The storm moved faster than any I can remember in this region, coming inland at over 25MPH (40KM/H). Helene has weakened to a tropical storm Friday morning over northern Georgia.

Helene was the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in the Big Bend region. The previous record had been established by the Cedar Keys Hurricane of 1896, that had winds of 200KM/H (125 MPH).

Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, which is quickly becoming the hurricane capital after direct hits from Debby and Idalia over the last year. Helene delivered a massive storm surge along Florida's west coast from Fort Myers north towards Alligator Point. Cedar Key was inundated once again with several feet of Gulf water. Numerous properties have been destroyed or flooded, some with water up to their rooftops.

The eye of powerful category 4 Hurricane Helene moving onshore at 11pm Thursday evening just south of Perry in Florida's Big Bend region. (NWS)

Helene's winds have taken down thousands upon thousands of trees, with power out across the US southeast to more than 3.5 million residents and businesses. The storm is also producing torrential rains, with flood emergencies across several states, including water-logged North Carolina. The Atlanta metro area has received over 150mm of rain in the last few hours, with major flooding occurring as well as numerous swift water rescues.

Early Friday morning, Helene was downgraded to a tropical storm, located 130km east, northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. Helene was still racing towards the north at 48km/h, the only saving grace with this storm has been her rapid forward speed.

As day breaks over the region, the damage is widespread and extensive. There have been at least 5 fatalities confirmed so far. I have great concern for parts of Appalachia, where Helene will stall, and rain out over the weekend. Significant fresh water life-threatening flooding is expected.

Under normal circumstance, Helene would take aim at our region. This time we are being protected by strong high pressure centred over Quebec, that will keep the storm well south of us. Good news for Ontario, Quebec and New England, but bad news for the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.

Powerful Hurricane Helene takes aim at Florida Panhandle

NOAA Satellite image of strengthening Hurricane Helene at sunrise Thursday morning. Helene is expected to intensify rapidly today, reaching category 4 status with winds of up to 250km/h before landfall near Apalachicola, Florida in the wee hours Friday morning. (NOAA/NHC)

Helene was just a tropical wave 48 hours ago, but in the next 12 or so, the storm will undergo rapid intensification into a Category 4 powerhouse hurricane, as the storm takes aim at the Florida Gulf Coast. Winds may exceed 250km/h at landfall. Early Thursday morning, NOAA Hurricane Hunters flew through the storm observing the structure as Helene continues to grow. What they found were winds of 155km/h and a central pressure down to 960mb, as the storm continues to deepen rapidly.

Helene was moving towards the northeast at 19km/h, with a gradual turn towards the north forecast today and an increase in forward speed. The fast-moving hurricane is expected to approach the Big Bend area of the coast late Thursday evening or in the wee hours Friday morning. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Centre are expected a storm surge of over 6 metres (20 feet) to the east of where the eye crosses the coast. Combined with fierce winds and battering waves, a surge of that level is not survivable.

Evacuations were ordered Wednesday and preparations should be rushed to completion. All along Florida's Gulf Coast from Tampa to the Mississippi border, weather conditions will quickly deteriorate today.

The official NHC forecast for Helene has the storm hitting the Florida Gulf Coast Thursday and moving inland quickly. Once over the southern Appalachians, the storm will meander for days producing heavy torrential rain and flash flooding. Helene is expected to dissipate well south of  Quebec and Ontario. (NHC)

Surge flooding of 4 to 8 feet is forecast in the Tampa Bay region. Typically tropical systems weaken quickly after landfall, but the forward speed of Helene will allow winds to remain strong with this storm well-inland into southern Georgia and the Appalachians. Widespread wind damage and power outages are expected all across the US southeastern region. Significant flash flooding will also be a big problem across the water logged regions of the Carolinas, Kentucky and Tennessee. Helene will produce 200-300mm of rain.

Rain falling across southern Quebec Thursday morning is in response to a frontal boundary crossing the region. High pressure will build into eastern Canada and New England over the weekend, keeping Helene well to our south. The hurricane is expected to dissipate into a remnant low over Kentucky after about 72 hours and drift into the middle Atlantic region. Some high clouds and perhaps a few showers are possible by the middle of next week for Montreal, but nothing more is expected form Helene.

Summer comes to an end with spectacular weather

The waning Harvest Moon visible over Montreal as the sun rises on another sunny, warm September day. Fall arrives this Sunday at 8:44AM, but temperatures are expected to remain above normal. (Valley Weather)

There are signs the Rex Block will finally be breaking down this weekend and into next week, but what an incredible stretch of late summer weather it has been. Fall officially arrives at 8:44 AM this Sunday morning, however, the weather continues to be very summer like. 

Since September 12, we have had nothing but sunshine in southern Quebec, with dozens of record high temperatures. Highs have been running in the upper 20s, with even a 30 or two around. On September 16, Montreal managed a surprise record high of 31C (88F), surpassing the 1939 benchmark of 30.6C (87F). On many other days, our highs have settled into the 25C to 28C (77F-83F) range, well-above the normal value of 18C (65F). Our overnight lows have been even more impressive, in the 16 to 18C (60-65F) range, the normal low for mid to late September should be around 8C (48F). While cooler air in on the horizon, temperatures will likely still be at or above normal.

This has been a dry month in Montreal, especially when you compare it to our record-breaking wet summer. To date, 25.4mm (1 inch) of rain has been recorded at Trudeau Airport, falling on only 2 days, September 1st and 7th. No precipitation has occurred since, despite the elevated humidity we have been seeing over the last two weeks.

The pattern is showing signs of breaking down this weekend, as a backdoor cold front arrives from the northeast. A wind shift should bring in slightly cooler air, with just a chance for a sprinkle this weekend. Temperatures will still be mild, in the 23 to 25C range. Early next week, low pressure developing over the Great Lakes, will begin to influence our weather, with clouds and showers by midweek, along with cooler temperatures. Daytime highs will drop into the middle teens by Wednesday.

While we have been enjoying spectacular weather, the same Rex Block has been delivering heavy rain and high surf to portions of the Middle Atlantic States including Kure Beach, North Carolina, shown above. (AccuWeather)

While we have been enjoying this spectacular weather, parts of the middle Atlantic region have had strong northeast winds and coastal flooding. A non-tropical area of low pressure produced torrential rainfall across North Carolina, with some locations reporting in excess of 400mm of rain in less than 24 hours. Significant flash flooding was observed.

The persistent northeast flow caused by the Rex Block will continue to produce heavy surf and showers across the region through Friday. Widespread coastal flood watches and warnings are in effect from New Jersey to North Carolina.