Warm start to meteorological summer in Montreal

The photo above was provided by the home owner to the survey team from the Northern Tornadoes Project. The team determined that last Monday's tornado was an EF1, producing winds of up to 155km/h. The tornado was on the ground for 14.3KM west of Rigaud, producing some significant damage along the way. It was only the second tornado of the season to date in Canada, with severe weather season really just beginning across the country. (NTP Photo)

Southern Québec is in the middle of a warm, dry stretch of weather for the start of meteorological summer which occurred June 1st. Temperatures have risen to well-above normal values, reaching 27.2C (80.7F) on Saturday, and 28.3C (82.9F) Sunday. Conditions will remain the same through at least Wednesday, with highs approaching 30C (86F) in Montreal, and overnight lows remaining in the upper teens.

Conditions will be rather dry to start the week, with humidity levels slowly rising through the middle portion of the week. High pressure will dominate, slowly moving east across southern Quebec and into northern Maine. By Thursday, an upper level low over the Great Lakes will be begin to slide across southern Quebec and take up residence into next weekend. Sadly this means a prolonged period of shower, thunderstorms and cooler weather into Grand Prix weekend here in Montreal.

Until then, we are looking at our potential first heatwave of 2024, that is three consecutive days with high temperatures at 30C (86F) or higher. With the hot and dry weather comes an increase in fire concerns. SOPFEU has indicated a very high fire danger across the southern portion of the province over the coming days. Any type of outdoor burning should be avoided until we receive additional rainfall later this week. As of Monday morning, SOPFEU has cancelled any industrial and commercial burning permits in the province through June 8.

RIGAUD TORNADO

The Northern Tornadoes Project from Western University in London, Ontario, finished their investigation into the first Quebec and second Canadian tornado of the young 2024 season. Last Monday afternoon's storm touched down at around 5.30PM, south of Pointe-Fortune travelling northeast. The storm moved 14 kilometres on the ground along the Quebec/Ontario border, just west of Rigaud. The tornado was rated as n EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, producing winds of 155km/h. It resulted in downed trees and power lines, significant damage to several homes, a farm and vehicles.