Unsettled spring weather continues in Montreal

Menacing clouds have been a part of just about everyday this spring, as Montreal has received highly variable weather. Thanks to a fast moving zonal flow across the country, no weather system has hung around for too long. This pattern is expected to persist into next week, with most days having a least a chance for shower or two and perhaps even a rumble of thunder.

Warm weather seems to be struggling to take hold this spring in Montreal. While it has not been cold, it certainly has not been warm either. We seem stuck in a very similar zonal pattern with cool rainy days occurring just about every other day.

On Wednesday, the high of 13.8C (56F) was reached shortly after midnight, with the mercury settling in around a chilly 10C (50F(, along with gusty northeast winds and rain. This, after Monday and Tuesday's highs in the low 20s. This patter looks to persist for the rest of May. The very warm, muggy air remains across the southern and central US.

We will end the week with partly sunny skies that will persist into the Mother's Day weekend. There will be an ever present, though slight risk of showers each day into next week. Temperatures will try to reach the normal high of 18C (65F), with lows of 7 to 10C (45-50F) expected.

The good news is that our fire season here in Quebec is off to a much more manageable pace than last season. There are currently no active fires burning in the province, with 70 to date reported by SOPFEU. The 10-year average is 89. Rain and snowfall in April and May has been above normal for many parts of Quebec, including here in the Montreal region. In April, 142mm fell at Trudeau Airport, that is nearly double the normal.

So far in May, 27mm has been reported, with more shower activity likely next week. While it may be a nuisance for those looking for sunny, dry weather, the rain at this time of the year is most welcome.