Power cut to over 250,000 Hydro-Quebec clients after windstorm

Hydro-Quebec has hundreds of teams on the job Thursday morning, addressing nearly 1000 breaks in the system affecting over 158,000 clients. That number is down from over 250,000 at the height of the storm Wednesday evening. Temperatures have crashed Thursday morning, down to -12C (10F) in Montreal. (Hydro-Quebec Photo)

A powerful weather system crossed Ontario and Quebec on Wednesday producing thunderstorms, hail, fierce winds, record highs, followed by snow and an incredible temperature drop. Hundreds of record highs were established across eastern North America. Severe weather occurred with rare February tornadoes in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, along with thunderstorms in Ontario and Quebec.

Winds along and behind the arctic boundary gusted to over 100km/h in the Montreal region, including 102km/h at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and 92km/h at Trudeau Airport. The result was widespread power outages across the province as branches came in contact with wires and transformers. Poles were even snapped by the strong winds on the South Shore. At the height of the storm, over 250,000 customers were without power, that number has since dropped to 158,598 at of 8:45AM Thursday morning.

Hydro-Quebec has over 500 personal on the job, but there are over 1000 individual line breaks that need service. Adding to the difficult work are the high winds that are still gusting over 60km/h across the region.

Wednesday was a wild day, with sudden temperature drops, thunderstorms and a rapid freeze. The temperature in Montreal reached a record-breaking 13.8C (56F) at Trudeau Airport, smashing the previous record of 8.3C (48F) set back 1902 and again in 1954. Ottawa recorded their warmest February temperature on record at 15.7C (60F). Scattered thunderstorms were observed in the St. Lawrence Valley from upstate New York into Ontario and Quebec, producing high winds and heavy rain. Montreal measured 7.4mm of rain followed by less than 1cm of snow.

As the arctic boundary moved across the island of Montreal at 6pm, temperatures crashed, dropping 21.6 degrees in just 6 hours at Trudeau Airport. The drop was even greater in other locations. Sudbury, Ontario dropped from plus 5C (41F) to -10C (14F) is just one hour, while Rouyn-Noranda fell 27.2 degrees in 6 hours.

Thursday will be windy and bitterly cold, with highs struggling to reach -6C along with strong winds up to 60km/h resulting in wind chill values in the minus teens and 20s. The cold snap will be short-lived, with a high of 0C (32F) Friday followed by a cloudy mild weekend with highs well-above freezing.

Flash freeze expected in Montreal after record warmth

Only patches of snow remain in Montreal on Tuesday afternoon, after a record setting high of 14.9C at Trudeau Airport. The normal high for February 26 is -1C (30F)

UPDATE: Wednesday, February 28  7:45AM: We have a very active weather day ahead for the Montreal region. First off we have established a record high for today's date already, it occurred overnight at 10C (50F). We may add several degrees to that value, but for now it breaks the previous record of 8.3C (47F) set way back in 1902. Also on Tuesday, Ormstown reached 20.5C (69F) establishing an all-time record high for the province of Quebec for the month of February. The previous record was 19.5C set on February 22, 1981 in Franklin, Quebec.

We have a warm, wet day ahead of us for southern Quebec, but that will come abruptly to end this evening. Heavy rain along a potent arctic front developing this afternoon, will change to snow this evening and end by midnight. There is even a chance of a rumble or two of thunder. 

Winds along and behind the front will gust 70- 90km/h between 6pm and midnight. In addition, the temperature will fall 15 to 20 degrees between 6pm and 10pm, from double-digit highs above freezing to well below freezing across southern Quebec. Prepare for icy conditions, and frigid windchill values tonight and Thursday morning.

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High Wind Warnings posted for southern Quebec  for Wednesday evening.

Flash Freeze Warnings issued for all of southern Quebec and Ontario for Wednesday afternoon and evening.

What a weather day across the region as dozens of record high temperatures have been established. Montreal's Trudeau Airport reached 14.9C (58.8F) shattering the previous record of 10.9C (51.6F) set back in 2000. We were just one tenth of a degree shy of the all-time February record high of 15C (59F) set in 1981. I recorded 15.6C on Ile Perrot, while St. Anicet reached an incredible 19.1C (66F). Even Mont Tremblant reached a record-breaking 15.3C (59.5F). In Ontario, Windsor reached 20C (68F). 

The warm air has surged northward from the Gulf of Mexico in advance of a strong storm system and frontal boundary lifting northeast into the Great Lakes on Tuesday afternoon. This storm will bring abrupt changes to our weather on Wednesday. In advance of the front, warm summer-like temperatures have spread across the central US into Ontario and Quebec. Thunderstorms even developed across southern Ontario on Tuesday, and a few may occur in southern Quebec on Wednesday. Behind the front, winter rushes back in very quickly.

Lows tonight in Montreal will be very mild, 7C (45F), with gusty south winds persisting. On Wednesday, we can expect another record high, as temperatures reach 13C (55F). Thickening clouds will lead to steady rain in the afternoon along with increasing winds in the St. Lawrence Valley. 

By the supper hour, the cold front arrives, with winds gusting 70-90km/h in the Montreal region for a few hours. Temperatures are expected to plummet after 6pm from well-above freezing to well below. Any leftover rain will change to snow and end by midnight.  The combination of precipitation and rapidly dropping temperatures will result in slippery sidewalks and roads. Extreme caution is advised if venturing out Wednesday night. The low by Thursday morning will be close to -15C (5F), with windchill values in the -20s.

Skies will clear out on Thursday, with a cold high of -7C (19F) forecast. Our cold snap will be short-lived, with warm air returning by the weekend.

Record-breaking warmth and rain expected this week

Lac St Louis's thin ice along the Pointe Claire shoreline Monday morning. First Responders across southern Ontario and Quebec are asking everyone to remain off the ice at this time. Our warm winter has resulted in very thin, unstable and unpredictable ice conditions. Several ice/water rescues have already been carried out including that of a 65 year old male on Ile Perrot on February 12. The quick work of the NDIP/Pincourt Fire Department likely saved the mans life.

This has to be one of the warmest winters of my life, certainly with the least amount of snow. Whatever snow is left across southern Quebec will melt quickly this week, as temperatures are forecast to soar into the double digits. The all-time record high for February in Montreal is 15C (59F), set on February 22, 1981. That record will likely be challenged on Wednesday, certainly the daily record of 8.3C (47F) set in 1954 will fall. The forecast highs this week, through Wednesday are very warm, 6C (43F) Monday, 10C (50F) Tuesday, and 15C (59F) Wednesday.

As far as practical weather is concerned, a weak front early Monday morning will produce some light snow and rain before skies clear partially by noon. A potent cold front and low pressure system developing across the central portion of the US will move northeast into the Great Lakes by Wednesday. 

Gusty southwest winds will develop, with very mild and moist air moving into Ontario and Quebec late Tuesday and Wednesday. Rain will develop on Wednesday, possibly heavy at times, with even the risk of isolated thunderstorm. Once the arctic front clears our region, temperatures will fall rapidly Wednesday night, with leftover rain changing to snow, along with gusty northwest winds up to 50km/h. Temperatures will fall to -15C (5F) by Thursday morning. The high on Thursday will be 20 to 25 degrees colder than Wednesday, at -8C (18F). The sharp cold snap will be short-lived, with temperatures rebounding to back above freezing by Friday. Warm weather is expected to start March.

Quick shot of arctic air followed by Spring!

Snow falling on Ile Perrot, Sunday, February 18. Could this have been the last significant snowfall for the Montreal region? Only 15cm has fallen this month, well-below normal. Indications are we are in for a very warm March once we clear a 24-36 hour cold snap this weekend. (Valley Weather Photo)

Montreal has definitely had a warm winter, with very few major snow events. Could this be it? We will see what surprises mother nature has for us in March and April, but current trends are indicating a warm spring.

A strong arctic boundary will slip across eastern Ontario and southern Quebec late in the day Friday, setting the stage for one of the coldest nights of the winter. Before then we can expect a mild day in Montreal, with a warm high of 5C (41F) forecast, along with a few showers.

The cold front arrives early this afternoon across the Ottawa Valley and by the supper hour in Montreal. Temperatures will fall rapidly behind the front, from above freezing to well below in a matter of an hour or two. A flash freeze is possible, especially north of Montreal, where weather warnings are in effect.

Along the front we can expect a few showers, quickly changing to flurries and ending by midnight. Little accumulation is expected for Montreal. As mentioned, temperatures will plummet, dropping down to -16C (3F) in Montreal by morning, with lows close to -20C (-4F) north and west of the city including Ottawa. Gusty northwest winds of 30-50km/h tonight and up to 40km/h Saturday will result in windchill values in the low minus teens and 20s. Bundle up if you have outdoor plans as the sudden cold will be a shock for many in what has been a warm winter.

Saturday will be partly cloudy and cold, with highs struggling to reach -7C (19F). One more cold night Saturday as lows drop down to -15C (5F), before we see a major warming trend starting Sunday. Highs will rise to 0C (32F) Sunday, and well-above freezing next week, possibly up to 10C (50F) by Wednesday. The weather looks unsettled with some snow to start the week Monday, nothing significant at this time, followed by rain and warm temperatures midweek.

Briefly looking ahead into March, there are strong indications that temperatures will continue to be well-above normal across southern Quebec, with limited chances for any significant snowfall. Time will tell, stay tuned.

Much warmer weather expected for Montreal

Sunday's snowfall over-performed a touch across metro Montreal, delivering 7-10cm of snow to the region. That brought our monthly snowfall to 15.2cm at Trudeau Airport, well-below normal for February.

Tuesday morning should have been the coldest one yet this winter in Montreal, but a thin lawyer of clouds stopped the temperature from falling last evening under ideal conditions. Winds were calm and we had a fresh blanket, albeit a thin one, of snow on the ground.

Still the morning low was -13C (9F), shy of the -17C (2F) we had on January 20. Tuesday will be a chilly day and so will next weekend, but other than that, all I am seeing is warm air on the horizon. Could winter be over? It has not been a much of a winter, as El Nino has dominated the weather patterns across the globe and especially here in North America. We managed a little snow this week, and currently sit at 15.2cm at Trudeau Airport, well below the normal of 41cm.

Looking ahead, high pressure will move to our south and east setting up a return flow of mild air. So after our cold morning Tuesday, we can expect a significant rebound in temperatures to end the week. So much so that rain is expected Thursday into Friday. The highs will be 2C (36F) on Wednesday, but up to 6C (43F), Thursday and Friday.

A strong arctic cold front will arrive by late Friday, with some snow squall activity, strong winds and rapidly dropping temperatures, down into the minus teens by Saturday morning here in Montreal. The cold air will remain through the weekend, before another surge of warm air next week, that will see highs well above freezing to end February and into the first few days of March and potentially beyond.

Once again, I am not seeing any snowstorms in our future.

ON THE RADIO

One final note, I am finally on the radio talking about the weather, a dream I have had since my Dawson College days at CFKS Radio Selby in the late 1980s. I am part of The Suburban Radio Hour aired on CJAD 800 AM, Sunday evenings from 7-8pm. My segment is pre-recorded for now, so I will be dealing with historical facts and a general look forward at the weather across southern Quebec and beyond. Thank you as always for reading and listening! 

Snow squalls possible Sunday evening - warmer week ahead

Roads were snow covered early Sunday morning across the Montreal region, as steady snow fell along a warm front. A quick 5-10cm fell across much of southern Quebec. (Valley Weather Photo)

A strong cold front will produce snow squalls this afternoon and evening across eastern Ontario and southern Quebec.

A warm front has lifted north of the Montreal region Sunday afternoon, accompanied by strong southwest winds blowing off Lake Ontario funneling moisture down the St. Lawrence Valley. Earlier Sunday, steady snow accumulated a quick 5-10cm across southwestern Quebec, with 7cm falling here on Ile Perrot. Montreal is now in the mild sector, with gusty southwest winds up to 50km/h, producing areas of blowing and drifting snow.

Temperatures have warmed from a cold morning low of  -15C (5F) to our current reading, as I write, of 0C (32F). Temperatures will take a tumble later this evening as a potent arctic boundary crosses the region. Along and ahead of that front we can expect some decent snow squall activity, with brief heavy bursts of snow and strong winds reducing visibility. The squalls will impact the Montreal region during the early evening hours.

A snow squall watch is currently in effect for a large portion of western Quebec and eastern Ontario, including the Ottawa Valley, and will likely be extended into the Montreal region later this afternoon. 

The steady snow this morning was the result of moisture being driven off  the wide open waters of Lake Ontario. Further southwest along the Highway 401 corridor, heavy snow has been falling making for poor travel between Trenton and Cornwall.

After the front clears the region this evening, temperatures will fall quickly to a low of -12C (10F) in Montreal and rising to -5C (23F) on Monday under partly cloudy skies. Winds will be quite gusty this evening, out of the northwest 30-50km/h, diminishing on Monday afternoon.

A warming trend starts on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to rise back above freezing.

Finally some February snow for southwestern Quebec

It took until February 13 for the first snow of the month to fall across many parts of southwestern Quebec. That has not happened since the El Nino winter of 1998, when it snowed for the first time that year on February 17. Only 1.4cm of snow has fallen so far this month in Montreal, the long-term average for the city is 41.2cm. (Valley Weather)

Snow is in the forecast for Thursday night, and it will likely be the first measurable snowfall for many across southwestern Quebec this month. On Tuesday night, Montreal's Trudeau Airport measured 1.4cm of snow during a fast moving squall, otherwise most of the region has had no snow since late January. The last time we had so little measurable snow to start a February was also during an El Nino year in 1998, when it took until the 17th for our first snowfall.

Clouds are thickening up late Thursday afternoon in advance of a fast moving Alberta Clipper moving across the Great Lakes and southern Ontario and into upstate New York. A swath of heavy snow is falling this afternoon along the Highway 401 corridor, and moving east. Toronto has been reporting visibility below 1km in heavy snow for the last three hours. Snow will spread across eastern Ontario late this afternoon.

The snow should move into the metro Montreal region this evening and taper off overnight. Most regions will see a quick 5cm of snow, but closer to 10cm is possible from Vaudreuil-Dorion southwest towards the Ontario and New York State borders. Winds should remain less than 30km/h during the snowfall. Temperatures will be below freezing for a change, dropping to -7C (19F) tonight  and rising to a high of -3 (27F) Friday. Clouds will linger on Friday, along with a few flurries.

Widespread winter weather advisories are in effect through southern and eastern Ontario and across the border into upstate New York and Vermont. 

Expect slow travel tonight, with low visibility and snow covered roads, something we are not use to this winter. The snow should be over for the morning commute in Montreal.

A taste of spring weather for Montreal - but winter lurks behind

A spectacular sunset off the western tip of the island near Senneville. February has featured plenty of sunshine so far after a dismal January that saw less than 17 hours of sunshine in Montreal for the entire month. (Valley Weather)

After an absolutely dismal January, we have been treated to an early taste of spring here in southern Quebec to begin February. January, along with most of November and December, featured plenty of cloud cover for the shortened days. 

On Wednesday I had an interesting conversation with David Phillips, Senior Climatologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. We discussed the limited sunshine to start the year, along with the lack of snowfall and the generally somber weather that has prevailed this winter. Phillips estimates that we had no more than 17 hours of sunshine for the entire month. Combine that with the lack of snow cover or any prolonged cold to support outdoor winter sports and other activities, and it made for a long and difficult month for many.

February on the other hand has been the complete opposite so far. Still no snow, but the sunshine has been more-than-welcome. Just eight days in and we have had full sunshine on 5 of the 8 days. As I write Thursday afternoon, the temperature is an unseasonably warm 6C (43F) under mainly sunny skies. We are close to the record high for the date of 6.7C (44F) set back in 1949, but I don't think we will get there today.

The mild weather will persist into the weekend, but with an increase in cloud cover. A few showers are possible late in the day Friday and Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will be very mild, between plus 5 and 7C (41-45F) for highs, remaining above freezing around 3C (38F) for lows through Sunday. A cold front arrives on Sunday, with colder air returning next week.

There has been no snowfall in Montreal so far this February, very unusual for sure. Only a few flurries are possible late Sunday and Monday. We are watching the track of a coastal storm on Tuesday, but at this time, I expect it will remain well south of the Montreal region. Colder temperatures are set to return next week, remaining below freezing through the end of the month.

Widespread damage occurred across the Los Angeles region and southern California after several days of very heavy rain and strong winds. (AccuWeather.com)

While we have been enjoying the sun and mild temperatures, parts of both coasts have been hammered by major storms. Along the US Pacific coast, nearly a years worth of rain fell in just a few days, with over 250mm recorded across the Los Angeles Basin. The heavy rain and strong winds resulted in power outages, mudslides and widespread flash flooding.

Along the east coast, between 60 and 150cm of snow fell across Cape Breton Island and parts of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Many communities are still digging out from drifts that are several metres high.

Tranquil weather for Montreal - massive snowstorm buries parts of Atlantic Canada

The biggest storm in over two decades has dumped up to 100cm of snow since Friday night on parts of Nova Scotia, including Sydney, shown above. That is more snow than Montreal has received all winter. (CBC New Photo)

Strong high pressure anchored over central Quebec will provide our region with a quiet, springlike weather week ahead. More typical of mid March weather, we can expect abundant sunshine, with mild days and chilly overnight lows. Skies should remain clear for the most part, with just a few stray clouds from time to time through Thursday. High temperatures will be between -2C and -5C (23F to 29F), with overnight lows between -10C and -15C (5F to 14F) for most of us. 

Despite the clear weather, keep in mind there may be some icy patches around in the morning. On Sunday, a major multi-vehicle accident closed the southbound ramp off the Mercier Bridge into Chateauguay around 8:30AM. Local ice fog had developed, making the bridge surface slippery resulting in several accidents. 

So far this month we have only had a trace of snow on Montreal, with no major systems on the horizon. The El Nino effect continues to influence the North American weather, keeping the arctic air locked up across the far north and the storm track primarily along the coast from California along the Gulf Coast and then northeast into Atlantic Canada. 

Over the weekend a powerful snowstorm slammed parts of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island with the heaviest snowfall in two decades. Deep low pressure stalled southeast of Sable Island, pumping copious amounts of moisture across central Nova Scotia and Cape Brenton Island. The snow is still falling Monday morning, after 84cm at Stanfield Airport in Halifax since Friday night. In Sydney, over 80cm has fallen as well. Drifts are metres highs, as winds gusted over 80km/h producing widespread blowing and drifting snow. 

Numerous roads are impassable, schools and businesses are closed Monday. A local state of emergency has been issued for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. By the time the snow ends later Monday, several locations will exceed 100cm (40 inches).

Mild winter will continue - regardless of what the Groundhog says

The late Fred la Marmotte of Val-d'Espoir in the Gaspe region of Quebec. The new Fred will make his prediction early Friday morning. It appears we are in for an early spring. Time will tell. (CBC)

Groundhogs across North America, including the new Fred la Marmotte in Val-d'Espoir, Quebec, are preparing this Friday morning to deliver the forecast for the balance of our winter. Regardless of their predictions, there are strong indications that the milder than normal winter will persist. 

We are looking at temperatures above freezing once again Friday morning in Montreal, after around 7mm of rain here on Ile Perrot Thursday. As temperatures flirt with the freezing point early Friday morning, there could be some icy spots around. High pressure will try to build into southern Quebec today, but I expect cloud cover to hold in place most of the day. Temperatures will be mild, around 1C (34F).

As skies clear this evening into Saturday, we can expect slightly cooler weather, but still above normal for early February. The high on Saturday, along with some much needed sunshine, will be around -3C (27F). Fair weather will prevail well into the new work week, with mild days and chilly overnight periods. Daytime highs will be around -2C, with overnight lows seasonably cold, around -10C (14F).

This past week, temperatures soared across western Canada, After the mid-January deep freeze, hundreds of record highs were established including an incredible 21.1C (70F) at Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on Tuesday. This was also a new provincial record high for the month of January and part of 4 consecutive days with record highs. The previous provincial record was set on January 7, 2003 in Cypress Hills at 19C (66F). Record highs were shattered across all four western provinces.

January was warmer than normal across the entire province of Quebec. Despite the deep freeze for a few days in the middle of the month, most of Canada was warm as well. (Environment Canada)

Meanwhile the numbers are in for our January here in Montreal. To nobody's surprise the month was warmer than normal, with an average temperature at Trudeau Airport of -5.3C (22.5F), 4.4 degrees above the long-term average of -9.7C (14.5F). Precipitation was also above normal, with 90mm, including 57cm of snow. Most of that fell in two storms during the middle portion of the month. We have yet to drop to -18C (0F) this winter in the city.

What can we expect for February? Well Groundhogs aside, mild weather should persist into the second week of the month, with a flat jet stream and a warm ridge of high pressure across the west. Any storms will be pushed well to the south and east of Montreal. Beyond the middle of February, we are seeing indications of a return to a colder, stormy pattern. Whether that involves snow or not is yet to be determined. Below normal temperatures will return, but keep in mind we are now past the coldest time of the year in Montreal. The days are getting longer and average highs are creeping up.