Warmer, rainy weather returns this week to Montreal

Roads were slick on Ile Perrot early Saturday morning after 9cm of snow fell overnight at my home. Amounts ranged from 8 to 15cm across southern Quebec, but oddly only 5cm officially at Trudeau Airport, just 25km northeast of my location. Strong winds gusted over 50km/h Saturday afternoon and Sunday producing areas of blowing snow, cold windchills and slippery road conditions. Much warmer weather returns this week, along with rain. (Valley Weather Photo) 

Special Weather Statement posted for southern Quebec for heavy rain midweek.

Monday morning was the coldest of the winter so far at Trudeau Airport, with the temperature dropping to -22C (-8F). This should stand as the coldest for the season, with milder air returning this week, and no polar air in sight through March. Spring is really just around the corner!

For the short-term, we are looking at a chilly Monday, but not as cold as Sunday's . Winds will be much lighter, and the warm March sun will help temperatures climb from the deep freeze up to -5C (23F). The balance of the week will be unsettled to say the least. Clouds will increase Monday night ahead of a warm front lifting across the Ohio valley and Great Lakes.

Strengthening low pressure will move from the southern US plains towards the Ottawa Valley by midweek, pushing a warm and increasingly moist airmass over southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. The result will be a moderate round of precipitation, starting as snow late Tuesday in Montreal, but changing over to rain by Wednesday morning. There may be some brief freezing rain in the transition, but any ice accretion would be minimal.

The bigger concern will be the 15-25mm of rain expected on Wednesday and Thursday, as temperatures soar above freezing to 6C (43F). With frozen ground, ice covered rivers and mounds of deep snow around, flooding is a possibility. Make certain any drains, sewers and downspouts are clear of snow and debris.

Over the weekend an additional 10-15cm of new snow fell across the region, officially 6cm at Trudeau Airport, but I measured 9cm on Ile Perrot.

Behind the storm on Friday, we can expect colder weather, with a high of -1C (30F), along with scattered flurries and gusty winds.