Another round of snow for Montreal Friday - decent weather for the weekend

The burst of snow expected Friday evening will be similar to that which fell on February 10. The snow will be short-lived, lasting just a few hours, with perhaps 5-10cm expected for Montreal and point south and west. Less is forecast north and east of the city, including Laval. (Valley Weather Photo)

While the weather was relatively tame and mild over the last week in Montreal, the same could not be said for many other parts of North America. A wild low pressure area combined with cold air from northern Canada to produce a windy weather system that spread across the Rockies into the Plains and Prairies, Ohio Valley and Great Lakes. That system is set to bring us a burst of snow Friday evening.

Clouds will increase early Friday as a warm front lifts across the eastern Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Valley. The front will stall to the south of Montreal, with precipitation overrunning it late in the day. Snow will develop by the evening commute and taper off overnight. The event will be similar to one that occurred on February 10. Accumulations will be in the 5 to 7cm range for the Island of Montreal, with 10-15cm from the off-island communities to the southwest, towards Cornwall, Ontario. Lesser amounts are expected northeast of Montreal, with no snow expected as you head towards Quebec City.

For Montreal and points south and west, roads will become snow covered and slippery late this afternoon and tonight with significantly reduced visibility. That includes the 20/401 corridor to Cornwall and the 40/417 highways to Ottawa.

South of Montreal, up to 20cm is possible in upstate New York. Winter Storm warnings and Advisories are in effect for regions south of the border, with a Special Weather Statement in Ontario.

In Montreal, temperatures will warm to -2C (29F) today, before falling back to -8C (18F) overnight. Gusty northeast winds will develop north of the warm front across the St. Lawrence Valley, reaching speeds of 30-50km/h. Those winds combined with falling snow will reduce visibility across southwestern Quebec this evening. 

The weekend will be variable, with partly sunny skies Saturday and perhaps a few flurries Sunday. Temperatures will be seasonable, with highs between -3C (27F) and -5C (23F) and lows of -8C (18F).