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.