Active weather week ahead for southern Quebec

The storms have not been large this winter, but frequent smaller snowfalls and frigid cold temperatures have managed to keep roads slippery and unpredictable, with many accidents occurring. This week will be challenging on the roads, with several storms impacting the province. (Transport Quebec)

We have an active weather week ahead for southern Quebec, with three separate systems impacting the region. Arctic high pressure to the north has been maintaining frigid air over the region since New Year's Eve. We will start to see a significant moderation in temperatures this week, but not before some wintry precipitation.

A weak clipper type system will pas southwest of Montreal Monday afternoon, producing light snow. As much as 5cm may fall, especially the closer you get to the Ontario, New York state borders. Temperatures will be cold in Montreal Monday, struggling to reach -12C (10F) along with light northerly winds.

A common scene on Ile Perrot this winter, with roads often snow covered from frequent smaller storms. (Valley Weather) 

A second stronger storm system will develop near Chicago on Tuesday and pass south of Montreal. This system will have more moisture to work with, so we are looking at flurries Tuesday afternoon, developing into a steady snow Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. At this time, we are looking at a good 10cm of snow for Montreal. The Wednesday morning commute could be difficult across the region.

The third storm this week will arrive late Thursday. This low pressure will track well north and west of the St. Lawrence Valley, allowing for a surge of very mild air into Montreal. Temperatures will rise well above freezing, possible as warm as 7C (45F) by Friday. As a result, the bulk of any precipitation would fall as rain, with perhaps a little freezing rain at the onset and flurries on the backside late Saturday or Sunday.

Temperatures as mentioned will warm to well above normal values for at least three days, with overnight lows above freezing Friday night. By Sunday, a cold front will move across the region, bringing us back to reality for mid January. Highs will fall back below freezing at -1C (30F) Sunday, with even colder air arriving next week.