Tornado count up across Canada in 2026

Trees are snapped in half after a tornado near Harrington, Quebec and Tuesday, July 21. The Northern Tornadoes Project continues to investigate the damage and storm track. (Photo Xtreme Chase Quebec)

Investigators with the The Northern Tornadoes Project out of Western University have confirmed that Tuesday's storm near the Laurentian community of Harrington was a tornado. The EF1 storm stripped trees, damaged cars and homes and snapped power poles in half. The storm track was estimated at 10km long and at times up to 1km wide. The tornado was capable of winds up to 175km/h. Many roads in the community were blocked with debris. Thankfully there were no injuries.

If it was a tornado, it would be the 4th in Quebec to date in 2026. Quebec has been lucky. Across Canada, tornadoes are on the increase, with 83 so far this year, compared to the long-term average of 65. Leading the way is Saskatchewan with 34, or 233 percent of normal, followed by Alberta at 27. Ontario with 8 and Quebec's 3 trail far behind. The United States is still has the dubious honour of leading the away when it comes to tornadoes, with 1017 to date in 2026.

Significant damage was reported around Harrington after Tuesday afternoons storms went through. (CBC)

Very hot and at times humid weather pushing north around the heat dome over the midwestern United States along with frequent cold fronts sliding southeast from northern Canada, have been responsible for the active season. There is no end in sight to this pattern. If anything, it may intensify, with hot air expected to surge into the southern Prairies this week as the heat dome expands north once again.

Montreal has managed to avoid wind damage with most of the storms, however there has been significant flash flooding at times, as well as tens of thousands of lighting strikes this summer, that has helped fuel and active fire season in Ontario and Quebec. Whether or not you believe in climate change, our planet seems rather stressed these days.

Thankfully, the weather seems calm for Montreal this weekend. We can expect a near-perfect summer weekend, with sunny skies, light winds and temperatures in the upper 20s (81 to 85F). Overnight lows will be comfortable, ranging from 17C to 19C (63 to 66F). The warm air will persist into next week, becoming more humid at times, with an increase in showers and thunderstorms by Tuesday.

If you are enjoying summer vacation, be safe and have fun.

Seasonable weather week ahead - wildfire smoke remains west of Montreal

The annual Notre-Dame-de-L'Ile Perrot car show took place this past Sunday at Pointe-du-Moulin. The show was well-attended, with spectacular near-perfect summer weather prevailing. This was in stark contrast to the washout on Saturday, with showers and thunderstorms all day in Montreal. Rainfall amounts however were lighter than forecast, with only 5-10mm in the Montreal region.(Valley Weather)

The fire situation across western Quebec and northern Ontario remains critical, with hundreds of fires burning. In Quebec, there are 180 active fires according to SOPFEU. Firefighters are already assisting in Quebec from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Alberta and British Columbia. An additional 18 firefighters will arrive from the Untied States, with 43 from France.

With the wind this week predominately from the north and west, smoke should drift across the central Great Lakes and into the upper Midwest. Smoke from Alaskan wildfires is drifting across northern Canada adding to the poor air quality across the west. Montreal will remain on the eastern edge of the smoke fro now.

The weather will turn cooler with some rain across the fire region as low pressure moves well north of our region across Ontario and Quebec. Here in the southern part of the province, we can expect a seasonable week, with highs in the middle 20s and lows in the teens.

Some shower and thunderstorm activity is possible in Tuesday into Wednesday morning. The threat for severe weather is low this week. Otherwise expect sunshine through Saturday.

The hot and humid weather will remain in place across the central portion of the United States this week giving southwestern Quebec and southern Ontario a break. 

Along the Gulf coast, a weak tropical storm is expected this week. Early Monday morning, tropical depression 2 was located 180 kilometres south of Panama City, Florida, with 55km/h winds. The storm is forecast to become tropical storm Bertha this week, while slowly moving northwest towards the Louisiana coast. The main threat with this storm will be heavy rain and flooding from the Florida panhandle to Texas.

Wet Saturday for Montreal - smoke moves south

Widespread air quality advisories stretch across central and southern Ontario and most of the northern and eastern United States. Dense smoke from wildfires burning across northwest Ontario and northern Minnesota have resulted in some of the poorest air quality in the world over the last few days. Little relief is in site as winds oscillate the smokey air back and forth across the international border. (NYSDOT)

The big story this week is the widespread forest and wildfires burning across parched regions of northwest Ontario into western and central Quebec. Over 180 fires are burning in Ontario, with an additional 19 active fires in Quebec. The total in Quebec for the season is now at 326, of which 72 were caused by lightning and unfortunately 241 by human activity. The Ontario fires are beginning to threaten communities, with evacuations being considered for residents of at least 15 municipalities. Some rain is forecast for the weekend, but also the risk of lightning which may spark additional fires.

The skyline of Toronto on Wednesday, covered in thick smoke from wildfires burning in northern Ontario. The city is fourth on the list of poorest air quality among major cities worldwide on Friday morning.

The Ontario fires have sent plumes of thick smoke southeast across the Great Lakes and into major cities like Toronto, Detroit and Chicago. Air quality has been greatly diminished across Ontario as well as the northern and eastern United States. Residents were being urged to remain indoors Friday, as trips to the emergency room for respiratory issues have spiked, especially in Ontario, Michigan and New York.

Here in Montreal, we have been spared the smoke as most has drifted south and west of the city. We may see some smoke return on Sunday as winds veer to the west and northwest behind a strong cold front.

Our weather will be sunny and seasonable on Friday, a near-perfect summer day, with a high temperatures near 25C (77F). Clouds will increase after midnight as a strong area of low pressure moves down the St. Lawrence Valley. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast most of Saturday, with 20-25mm of rain possible. A cold front late in the day Saturday may produce some vigorous thunderstorms, but the severe weather threat for Montreal is low at this time. Daytime highs will be near 25C (77F), with overnight lows behind the rain dropping to a comfortable 15C (59F)

High pressure should build back in Sunday resulting in a very pleasant, sunny day. The high will be near 24C (76F). Wildfire smoke may return to southern Quebec on both Sunday and Monday.

Forest fire smoke diminishes severe weather in Montreal

Dense smoke from northern Ontario wildfires turns day into night in Thunder Bay on Tuesday afternoon. Thunder Bay was one of the warmest locations in the country on Monday, surpassing 40C (104F). Fires have exploded across that region, sending smoke drifting across southern Ontario and into southwestern Quebec. The smoke has resulted in hazy sunshine and very poor air quality. (Sarah Law/CBC)

Plumes of smoke are drifting across Ontario and southern Quebec on Wednesday from massive forest and wildfires burning across northwest Ontario. At least a dozen new fires have erupted this week, fueled by intense heat, over 40C in some locations, and widespread lighting strikes. To date over 450 fires have been reported in Ontario, with 302 in Quebec. Several are burning out of control in both provinces, resulting in very poor air quality across eastern Canada and the United States.

In fact, early Wednesday morning, Toronto had the poorest air quality of any major city in the world, with a AQI rating of 192, in the unhealthy range. Montreal sits at 73 by comparison, in the moderate range. Air quality advisories are widespread across Ontario. The smoke is obscuring the sun and resulting in a very smokey smell in the air. 

Gusty west winds up to 50km/h are helping to spread the smoke across southwestern Quebec. Conditions will remain poor into Thursday before the arrival of a cold front pushes the smoke south.

The smoke on Tuesday managed to cap the atmosphere here in southern Quebec, resulting in a greatly diminished thunderstorm threat. Capping the atmosphere occurs when warmer air aloft and cooler air at the surface, results in supressing vertical air movement and thus thunderstorm development. Temperatures across our region were around 30C (86F) as opposed to the middle 30s (90s) that were forecast.

Despite the cap, storms still developed, some severe, but the threat was greatly reduced during the daylight hours. Stronger storms did occur after dark, but mainly west of Montreal and south into New York. Those storms produced large hail in parts of the Ottawa Valley as well as the Seaway Valley of upstate New York into the Adirondacks.

The storms did result in over 10,000 lightning strikes over a 24 hour period from Ontario across southern Quebec and into the northeastern US. Earlier in the day Tuesday, a swath of strong storms affected the region between Montréal and Quebec City, southeast across the Eastern Townships prompting a tornado watch by Environment Canada. As I write, no tornadoes were reported.

The weather will remain hazy and warm in Montreal through Thursday.

Elevated risk of severe thunderstorms with the chance of a tornado

Strong and dangerous thunderstorms are possible Tuesday afternoon in the Montreal region, with the risk of isolated tornadoes across southern Quebec. Stay weather alert today and listen for subsequent warnings which will be issued for specific regions as the threat develops. (Valley Weather)

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for metro Montreal

The risk for dangerous weather is elevated today for southern Quebec trhough Tuesday evening. Have a method to receive updated weather warnings and a plan to seek safe shelter immediately if threatening weather approaches.

All the ingredients are present today for a significant severe weather outbreak across eastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec. The parameters are as high as many forecasters and amateurs alike have seen across our region. Hot and humid air is in place, with the trigger being a cold front slipping from north to south across our region late this afternoon. We have strong winds high in the atmosphere and deep tropical moisture available at the surface. 

I still think the greatest threat for a tornado would be east of Montreal, but that does not make these storms any less dangerous for Montreal. Stay alert.

The latest severe weather update from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), places our region under an elevated risk for severe thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon. The primary threat will be strong winds and hail, but flash flooding and isolated tornadoes are possible as well.

Strong thunderstorms along with isolated supercells are expected to develop late this afternoon north of the city, and move across the Montreal region between 4pm and 6pm, with the severe threat remaining until midnight.

The storms will be capable of powerful straight line winds in excess of 100km/h, large hail, torrential rain, flash flooding and frequent lightning. Some of the storms will be capable of rotation and isolated tornadoes are not out of the question. If a tornado does occur it could be particularly strong with this setup, and travel great distances with the parent storm.

Temperatures will be very warm and muggy, with highs in the middle 30s in Montreal. The one thing I am seeing this morning is the presence of cloud cover and forest fire smoke aloft in the atmosphere. We will see what type of an impact this has on the temperatures and eventual storm development as the day progresses.

The threat for severe weather should end by midnight in Montreal.

Be prepared for severe weather today. Theses storms are capable of wind damage, power outages and challenging driving conditions in torrential rain. The threat will extend from the Ottawa Valley to Quebec City and south into northern new York and New England as well as western New Brunswick to the east.

Surge of heat and humidity for Montreal

A perfect retreat during the warm summer weekend, along the St. Lawrence River in LaSalle overlooking the Lachine Rapids. Just a few fair weather clouds dotted the sky the entire weekend, with comfortable daytime highs near 28C (83F), and lows near 16C (60F), along with low humidity. It was an ideal weekend for anything outdoors in Montreal. (Valley Weather Photo)

Widespread heat and humidity warnings are in effect from North Dakota to eastern Ontario and New England and will likely be issued for parts of Quebec for Tuesday.

Some of the warmest temperatures so far this summer are set to surge into southern Quebec and Ontario this week. How warm? Dozens of record highs were established in Manitoba over the weekend, as highs topped out in the middle 30s. Even overnight temperatures remained in the upper 20s. Humidex reading were as high as 45C. That heat is set to arrive Monday and spread east.

For Montreal, Monday will feature hazy sunshine, with a high close to 30C (86F). A few clouds and perhaps an isolated shower or thunderstorm are possible late in the day, but the risk is low. Warm southwest winds will develop Monday and increase on Tuesday, gusting 20-50km/h at times.

That breeze will usher in very high humidity, along with temperatures as warm as 35C (85F) across some southern Québec locations on Tuesday. Morning lows on Tuesday and Wednesday will be very warm, in the middle to upper 20s for most locations. Some smoke from northern Quebec forest fires is possible, especially in the Ottawa Valley.

On Sunday, parts of northwest Ontario, including Sioux Lookout, flirted with the 100F (37.8C) mark. There is a chance that some locations from Windsor, Ontario east towards western New York may reach 100F Tuesday. I think Montreal will remain below our all-time record high of 37.6C (99.6F) set on August 1, 1975. We should easily challenge the daily record high of 33.3 (91.9F) set in 1921.

Along with the heat will be high humidity levels, pushing humidex values into the middle 40s for most locations. A cold front late Tuesday is expected to produce some very strong if not severe thunderstorms along and south of the St. Lawrence Valley. There is an isolated risk of some supercell storms, that could produce strong winds, hail, heavy rain and even an isolated tornado. The threat would be between 6pm and midnight for southern Quebec.

Warm but less-humid weather will continue for the rest of the week, with seasonably warm highs in the upper 20s.

The fire situation remains serious across central, western and northern Quebec. Any type of outdoor fire remains prohibited across all of Quebec north of the St. Lawrence River, and is highly discouraged in other regions. To date, 295 fires have occurred in Quebec this year, consuming more than 102,000 hectares of forest. Of those fires, 227 were caused by human activity, with 56 blamed on lightning according to SOPFEU.

Beneficial rain for Montreal - fire danger remains high in northern Quebec

One of 200 wildfires burning across Quebec, this one located near Chisasibi, west La Grande and Radisson. (SOPFEU)

A slow moving front brought some much needed moisture to the entire southern Quebec region on Thursday. It was a slow, steady rain the produced 20-25mm across the region. While June was wet in Montreal, the rain was very localized in nature as we all know. This rain was widespread and at a manageable rate.

The moisture will certainly reduce the wildfire risk from the Saint Lawrence River south, but it remains high across northern and central portions of Quebec. There are over 200 wildfires currently burning across the province, with at least two out of control. As a result, an outdoor burn ban is in effect across most of the province north of the St. Lawrence River. This means if you have camping plans in the Laurentians, you will not be allowed campfires.

The region of far northern and western Quebec has had a very dry and warm spring and summer to date. A large area of the northwest Quebec recorded between 50 and 75 percent of normal precipitation for June.

The fires have resulted in the evacuation of several communities. SOPFEU, the provincial forest fire agency has over 900 firefighters and personnel battling the fires. This includes over 100 firefighters from British Columbia, Alberta and Prince Edward Island. Over 20 aircraft and 50 helicopters are assisting in the battle.

Warm and dry weather is expected to return to the province over the next week, with high temperatures exceeding 30C (86F) once again, along with very little rainfall. 

Most of the fires this year have been started by human activity, at last count 225. This displays firsthand the negative impact we can have on the forest fire season. This is why the fire ban is so important and backed by fines of up to $5000. According to SOPFEU, an additional 52 fires have been started by lightning strikes.

The current wildfire situation in Quebec, with an outdoor burn ban in effect for all of the province north of the St. Lawrence River. (SOPFEU)

Much calmer weather week ahead for southern Quebec

The weekend was spectacular across southern Québec, with sunny, warm weather. Conditions were less humid and thankfully no thunderstorms. (Valley Weather)

We are looking at the calm after the thunderstorms for most of southern Quebec. Last week was filled with multiple rounds of thunderstorms, wind damage, power outages, flooding and searing heat. By stark contrast, the weekend was calm and spectacular, finally dry for many, warm but less humid. 

High pressure has settled into eastern Ontario and southern Quebec to start the work week. This will keep low pressure well to our south across the Ohio Valley, eastward into the middle Atlantic states. This region will be the focus of heavy rainfall Monday along with thunderstorms. Flash flooding has occurred or is expected from Ohio east towards New York City. Flood watches are in effect from Virginia to southern New England.

Meanwhile here in Montreal and across southern Quebec and eastern Ontario, we can expect nothing but sunshine, with highs between 28C and 30C (83-86F). Overnight lows will remain pleasant, dropping into the middle teens. 

The next chance of shower activity will not be until Thursday, with the arrival of a cold front. Showers and scattered thunderstorms are possible. Skies clear out for Friday, with another fair weekend expected at this time.

Rainfall has been highly variable across our region this July. Parts of Ontario and Quebec have measured well over 100mm of rain to date, while Trudeau Airport sits at 24.5mm. I have recorded a paltry 2.6mm at my weather station on Ile Perrot. Municipalities on the West Island are still cleaning up from the major flood on June 22, while nearly 1900 homes were flooded in the Ottawa area on July 1st.

Thunderstorms cut power to over 125,000 customers across Quebec in sweltering heat

A powerful gust front enters the Montreal region form the north on Thursday evening, the leading edge of severe thunderstorms. Thunderstorms have been occurring everyday during our current heatwave, however this was the first cells that have targeted the Montreal region. The storms knocked out power to over 125,000 across the province. (Photo: Brenda Gartshore)

Heat warning remains in effect for southern Quebec and eastern Ontario.

For the third consecutive day, strong thunderstorms developed across southern Ontario, central and southern Quebec. The storms produced wind gusts of up to 100km/h, with 96km/h at Trudeau Airport. In addition to the winds, as with previous days, there were thousands of lightning strikes.

The result was predictable, with over 125,000 Hydro-Quebec customers left without power, and 250,000 in Ontario. Here in Quebec, the utility has been working all night, lowering the number to 50,000 clients early Friday morning, including 10,000 in Montreal and Laval. In addition to the downed power lines and in some cases utility poles, there was also damage to trees and several homes reported. The storms were moving quickly, which lowered the flood risk in Montreal.

The loss of power comes as we enter day three of a sweltering heatwave, that has pushed temperatures well into the 30s from Ontario to Atlantic Canada.

Here in Montreal, the temperature reached 32.3C (90F) on Wednesday, and 32.5C (91F) Thursday. Parts of Ontario reached the middle 30s, including Toronto at 36C (96F). Record highs stretched across Atlantic Canada as well. If you add in the elevated humidity levels, temperatures felt like the middle 40s for millions of Canadians.

Friday will be much of the same, hot and humid, into the 30s, with a risk of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. The thunderstorms have been potent, but isolated in nature. One firsthand example was Thursdays storm in Montreal. Trudeau Airport measured 23.5mm of rain in less than one hour, while at my weather station located on Ile Perrot, 24 kilometres to the southwest, I recorded nothing.

A weak cold front will move across the Montreal region overnight, bringing in only slightly cooler air but lowering the humidity considerably. The weekend will be partly sunny, with high temperatures in the upper 20s to near 30C.

Eastern Ontario hammered by storms - heat persists in Montreal

It was Ottawa's turn on Canada Day, as torrential rain turned parts of the city into a lake, including Highway 417 above at Bayshore Road. Record rainfall amounts exceeded 110mm in just a few hours as storms trained over the National Capital Region for hours. (OPP East Photo)

Heat Warning in effect for Montreal.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for southwestern Quebec.

Another severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the Montreal region on Thursday. Fortunately for flood weary parts of southern Quebec, the activity has remained west of the city over the last 48 hours across hard-hit Eastern Ontario. That may change Thursday.

Temperatures continue to be dangerously hot across a large portion of eastern Canada, with highs soaring into the middle 30s and humidex values in the middle 40s.

The high heat and humidity spawned several clusters of severe thunderstorms on Canada Day, with hours of torrential rain in the Ottawa region. The storms forced cancelation of the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill, as well as many local events. The rain also set a July record for Ottawa, with 111.4mm falling in just a few hours. Like Montreal two weeks ago, that amount of water was too much for the urban sewer system to handle. Numerous roads and homes were flooded, with widespread damage to cars and basements reported.

More flooding in the central part of Ottawa near Highway 416. (OPP)

On top of the flash flooding, strong winds, over 100km/h in places, knocked down trees and power lines in a wide area from the Ottawa River south to the St. Lawrence Valley and west into southern parts of the province. Over 100,000 customers lost power between Ontario and far western Quebec.

The storms prompted tornado warnings for the second consecutive day. They also generated over 20,000 lightning strikes from Ontario south into upstate New York.

So what can we expect Thursday? More of the same, isolated strong to severe thunderstorms. This time, they may be a little closer to Montreal or even north of the city. The high for Montréal is forecast at 33C (92F). Overnight lows will be warm and muggy in the middle 20s. 

More heat is expected on Friday, up to 34C (94F). Some relief is forecast for Saturday in southwestern Quebec, as a weak cold front arrives with lower dew points behind it thus slightly less-humid. Warm temperatures however are expected to remain into next week.

Elevated heat and thunderstorms for southern Ontario and Quebec

Temperatures are forecasting to soar into the middle 30s across many locations in Ontario and Quebec on Wednesday. If you have outdoor plans on this Canada Day, do so carefully.

Happy Canada Day! Stay cool, stay hydrated.

Heat warning in effect for eastern Ontario and southern Quebec, including metro Montreal.

The heat is on! Numerous forms of weather warnings and advisories are in place for extreme heat, impacting millions of residents across the eastern United States and Canada, as high heat and humidity levels prevail. If that were not enough, we are contending with strong to severe thunderstorms as well.

Starting with the forecast, we are already warm Wednesday morning in Montreal, despite persistent cloud cover and even a few showers around. Temperatures are already in the middle 20s, with humidex values over 30C. Wednesday will be warm and humid, with a high near 33C (92F). There is a risk of strong thunderstorms late in the day. Overnight will remain very warm and muggy, with temperatures around 25C (77F). Thursday will be a repeat of today.

As far as thunderstorms are concerned, the risk remains high, but the exact location of the storms is not so clear. On Tuesday, several strong clusters of storms moved around the edge of the high pressure producing all this heat, sliding southeast across Ontario, between Cornwall and Kingston. The storms occurred in waves, prompting tornado warnings and resulting in damage. Widespread power outages occurred along with significant tree damage and flooding. Winds gusted in excess of 100km/h at sveral locations, and there were thousands of lightning strikes.

Similar storms are possible later Wednesday and again Thursday afternoon, stay alert if you have outdoor plans, especially across our western locations towards the Ontario border.

Wednesday will be hot. Some locations in Ontario and upstate New York, less likely in Québec, may flirt with the 100F mark Wednesday. On Tuesday, Windsor, Ontario reached 35C (95F), they are forecasting 37C (98.6F) on Wednesday. 

Montreal's warmest temperature occurred on August 1, 1975, when Trudeau Airport reached 37.6C (99F). Unofficially several downtown locations exceeded the 100F mark during the 1975 heatwave, however officially, the city has never hit the century mark. That record has come close to falling, but still stands after 51 years, and should remain safe this week.

Montreal heatwave to last through Saturday

Elevated heat and humidity is expected in Montreal through at least Saturday. Daytime high temperatures will range from 32C to 34C (90 to 95F), with humidex values well over 40C (104F).

A yellow weather warning for extreme heat is in effect for metro Montreal.

In fact, heat warnings and advisories of some form stretch across southern Ontario, southwestern Quebec and a large portion the Untied States, east of the Mississippi River.

Strong high pressure over the southern US is pushing a very warm and moist air mass into our region. Temperatures will rise into the low and middle 30s for some locations, with elevated humidity levels, especially Wednesday and Thursday resulting in humidex (real feel) temperatures over 40C (104F).

The reminders are the same with this kind of heat, drink plenty of water, refrain form strenuous outdoor activities, especially during the afternoon hours. Try to spend some time in air conditioned spaces if possible. The most simple advice is often the most difficult for some to follow, under no circumstances, none, do you leave pets or children unattended in vehicles.

Extreme heat can be a killer. Watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Know the difference and most importantly know how to respond. Always stay hydrated. (NWS)

If you have plans to move on July 1st, as many do in Montreal, plan for very uncomfortable and at times dangerous conditions. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, pizza is ok :) and take frequent breaks.

Little relief is expected overnight, with temperatures remaining very warm in Montreal, in the middle 20s (70s F). The cumulative effect of a few days of extreme heat is often what leads to health issues.

There is a chance of some strong thunderstorms late each day as disturbances in the atmosphere ride along the northern edge of the high pressure ridge. The first risk arrives Tuesday afternoon. Some of the storms may be severe, with high wind gusts and torrential rainfall.

Relief may arrive by Saturday as a cold front moves southeast from western Canada. The timing is not clear at the moment, but temperatures should cool slightly by Sunday.

Heat, humidity and thunderstorms - July in Montreal

The calm after the storm as a vibrant rainbow graces the Montreal skyline. The weather has been very active and highly changeable this month in Montreal. (Photo Norman Leblanc)

A dome of high pressure is forecast to strengthen across the midwestern United States this weekend and into next week, providing a large portion of eastern North America with increasing heat and humidity. The warmest temperatures, approaching 38C (100F) in some locations, will be found across the Ohio Valley, Midwest and Middle Atlantic states.

Montreal, southwestern Quebec and eastern Ontario will be on the northeast edge of the heat dome, with warm and humid weather and occasional thunderstorms starting Monday. We call those systems that produce then thunderstorms ridge runners or ridge rollers, disturbances the move along the periphery of the nearly stationary ridge of high pressure.

Typically these can produce strong, very moist thunderstorms, just what Montreal does not need. The best chance for those storms would be next Wednesday and Thursday, however isolated cells can pop up anytime in the warm and humid airmass.

June in Montreal can be summarized in this one photo, as thunderstorms and sunshine have battled all month. The result has been highly changeable weather along with plenty of rainy weekends. (Valley Weather Photo)

Before that, we have a cold front arriving Friday, with scattered showers and thunderstorms. It does not look like a repeat of last Saturday, with most storms rapidly moving from west to east across the region. My experience in Montreal in both the recent flash flooding event all the way back to the infamous 1987 Decarie Expressway flood, is that it is the north to south or south to north moving storms are the ones that cause us the most trouble.

It has been a wet June, already closing in on 150mm (6 inches) of rain at Trudeau Airport, with some locations in the city easily surpassing 250mm (10 inches), so anymore rain will only add the saturated ground and full rivers and lakes.

As far as temperatures are concerned, we will reach 22C (72F)  Friday, before the heat starts to build through the weekend and into next week. High temperatures will rise into the upper 20s and low 30s by the middle of next week. High humidity will push humidex values into the upper 30s to near 40C across large parts of southern Quebec and eastern Ontario.

Devastating flash flooding on the West Island

Heavy rain from strong thunderstorms quickly overwhelmed the sewer system, inundating roads across parts of the West Island on Saturday afternoon. (West Island Community Page via Facebook)

Powerful moisture-latent thunderstorms swept across parts of the West Island and South Shore on Saturday afternoon, producing nearly two month's worth of rainfall in just a few hours. The slow moving thunderstorms impacted a relatively small area of the Island of Montreal, focusing on Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Pointe-Claire and Dollard-Des Ormeaux. In those communities as much as 170mm of rain fell between 3 pm and 7 pm.

Heavy rain also fell in Dorval, with 60mm at Trudeau Airport. In stark contrast, I only measured 5mm at my weather station here on Ile Perrot.

The result of the torrential rain was immediate, with several main roads, including Highway 40 between Sources and Saint John's Boulevard becoming inundated with water and impassable. Drivers became trapped in their cars by rising flood waters, with at least 15 requiring rescue by Montreal Firefighters. Montreal Division Fire Chief, Martin Guilbault, said his department responded to nearly 800 calls within the first hour of flooding and close to 1200 overall.

At least a dozen communities have been impacted by devastating flooding, affecting hundreds of homes and vehicles.

The Montreal Fire Department responded to over 800 calls in  first hour after the flooding began. Above the department arrives to rescue drivers trapped in their vehicles on Gouin Boulevard in Pierrefonds. (Photo Peter Turnbal)

Nearly four hours of lightning at Trudeau Airport, resulted in a ground stop for safety reasons. Dozens of flights were canceled or delayed and at least 25 incoming flights were diverted to other airports. Between 3 pm and 7 pm it was a constant rumble of thunder to my east over the West Island as dark clouds moved from northwest to southeast and onto the South Shore.

Hail and strong wind gusts also occurred with the storms. As a result of the flooding, Hydro-Quebec needed to cut power to most of the affected area. That combined with other storm effects, such as wind and lightning, resulted in the loss of power to over 25,000 customers. Most of the power was restored early Sunday according to  media relations spokesperson Paule Veilleux-Turcotte.

At least 300 homes were severely damaged by flood waters, but that number is likely much higher. The clean up began in earnest on Sunday, but was interrupted by more weather warnings and thunderstorms. Sunday's storms were a little more tame, as the Atlantic Canada system began to weaken. They still managed to dump heavy rain over the area, with 16.2mm on Ile Perrot in just 30 minutes. That storm also produced hail and strong wind gusts.

As Saturday's storms moved onto the South Shore, more significant flooding and road closures occurred in Saint-Constant, La Prairie, Chateauguay and even as far south as Napierreville.

The thunderstorms were the result of deep moisture pinwheeling around low pressure located over Atlantic Canada. It was the same storm the brought heavy rain and severe weather to Ontario and Quebec last Thursday.

Strong thunderstorms produce flash flooding in parts of Montreal and South Shore

Flash flooding in Pierrefonds on Saturday afternoon. Strong thunderstorms have been moving over the same area for several hours now producing torrential rain, in some cases in excess of 100mm from Laval southeast across Montreal and onto the South Shore. (Photo: Luka Korda via West Island Community Page)

Severe Thunderstorm watches and warnings for southwestern Quebec including metro Montreal through this evening.

Strong thunderstorms have been moving southeast across portions of Laval, through Pierrefonds, Dorval and central portions of the Island of Montreal and onto the South Shore Saturday afternoon, producing widespread lightning and torrential rainfall. Radar estimates and reports form local weather stations are indicating anywhere from 30mm to as much as 100mm has fallen in the last several hours.

At Trudeau Airport, 32.1mm has fallen in the last few hours, with nothing at my weather station on Ile Perrot.

The storms are training over the same region. Flooding has been reported in Pierrefonds and well as on the South Shore in La Prairie and Saint Constant. Several roads have been inundated, while others have significant water accumulations.

Radar is showing more storms developing over the lower Laurentians moving into the Montreal region. Remain vigilant this evening especially after dark. Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways.

Hydro-Quebec is reporting outages to just over 9000 customers at 5:40PM

The showers and storms should weaken after sunset, but more are expected on Sunday. The culprit is strong low pressure over Atlantic Canada sending disturbances in the atmosphere pinwheeling into our region. Conditions should improve Sunday night. 

Radar shows a plume of thunderstorms extending from Laval onto the South Shore. They have been dumping torrential rainfall over the same sections of the city, with 30mm to as much as 100mm falling just in the last few hours.

Another unsettled weather weekend for southern Quebec

The weather has been very active over the last few days in Montreal, with plenty of gusty winds, showers and thunderstorms. Sadly this trend will persist into the upcoming weekend. The tree above tumbled across a Pierrefonds road during Wednesday afternoons storm that hit the West Island. That storm also cut power to more than 60,000 Hydro-Quebec customers. (Photo: Jessica Wasserscheid)

That big low pressure system spinning its way slowly down the St. Lawrence Valley early Friday morning, will continue to influence our weather through the upcoming weekend. Unfortunately that means another weekend where we will be dodging frequent showers and thunderstorms.

The system is strong for June, producing very low barometric pressure readings in southern Quebec, strong wind gusts and plenty of rain and thunderstorms. Fortunately for Montreal, the strongest thunderstorms remained over eastern Ontario, southward into Upstate New York and New England. On Thursday, several tornado watches and warnings were issued in Eastern Ontario as well as Vermont. At least one potential tornado occurred near Woodstock, Vermont and there was rotation observed near Alexandria, Ontario. In the Vermont storm, extensive damage and power outages occurred. Vermont power outages reached over 20,000 Thursday afternoon.

In southern Quebec, winds gusted a high as 70km/h, slowing recovery efforts from Wednesday's storms. Power remains out to just over 5500 Hydro-Quebec customers Friday morning.

In Montreal, it was rain and plenty of it. Another 30-60mm fell across the region. I measured a storm total of 33.2mm on Ile Perrot, bringing my monthly total to 105mm. Trudeau Airport sits at 85.4mm for the month. So if you thought it was a wet June, you would be correct.

Friday will be breezy in Montreal once again, up to 50km/h from the west, along with a few breaks in the clouds. A few disturbances will rotating around the main storm located over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, producing scattered showers and afternoon thunderstorms through at least Sunday. High temperatures will remain cooler for late June, near 20C (68F), perhaps warming into the middle 20s Sunday. Overnight lows will be in the middle teens. 

Another 10-20mm of rain may fall over the next 48 hours, perhaps more in thunderstorms. No severe weather is expected for our region, but gusty winds may accompany any showers or storms.

Airport delays - power outages caused by storms - more expected Thursday

Hail covers the ground in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague southwest of Montreal during strong thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon. More storms are expected on Thursday. (Photo: Amy Reynolds via Facebook)

A round of strong thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon impacted the extreme southwestern corner of the province, including the West Island portion of Montreal as well as Ile Perrot. The intense cells moved northeast from the New York state border region, later weakening over Laval by late afternoon.

The storms resulted in the loss of power to more than 60,000 Hydro-Quebec customers at the height of the outage. That number was down to 80 breaks Thursday morning, totaling just over 11,000 customers. Most of the damage to the power grid was caused by lighting strikes. Power was also out at Trudeau Airport and most of Dorval, resulting in major flight delays during the late afternoon hours.

The storms also produced significant hail across the region from Ile Perot southwest towards Valleyfield.

On Thursday morning, strong low pressure is lifting across the Great Lakes early, forecast to move north of Montreal to lie near the Gulf of Saint Lawrence on Friday. A warm front will produce heavy rain Thursday morning, followed by a break in the early afternoon. It will be a muggy day, with temperatures in the low 20s.

The trailing cold front will produce strong thunderstorms late afternoon in Montreal, with the risk of  gusty winds up to 90km/h, more hail, lightning and torrential downpours. The unusually strong June low pressure will also generate brisk winds outside of thunderstorm activity, gusting up to 70km/h into the evening hours and 50km/h on Friday. 

Wind warnings are in effect across a large portion of upstate New York and New England and may be extended into southern Quebec. Heavy rain with the storm has prompted warnings north and east of Montreal for up to 80mm of rain. Montreal can expect storm totals of 25-50mm. As of 8AM, 13mm had fallen here on Ile Perrot.

Strong winds both today and Friday may result in isolated tree damage and scattered power outages across the province.

Another round of rain and thunderstorms for Montreal

Just about every other day this month has featured some form of rain or thunderstorms across eastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec. Some have been forecast, while others seem to pop up out of nowhere. Sadly this trend is expected to continue through  the upcoming weekend. (Valley Weather Photo)

Strong low pressure for June is forecast to deepen as it lifts northeast form the Midwestern United States down the St. Lawrence Valley towards Quebec City over the next 24-36 hours. This storm system on the weather maps is more typical of a winter storm and not one you would expect to find in June. That being said, only liquid precipitation is forecast, as it is June!

On Wednesday, clouds will begin to increase as a warm front associated with the storm moves northeast. A few showers and thunderstorms are expected ahead of the main event on Thursday. While no severe weather is anticipated Wednesday in Montreal, some heavy rain will be possible with any storms that develop.

Thursday will be a more active day, with a round of heavy rain in the morning, with as much as 30mm possible for Montreal. A few breaks in the cloud will stir up afternoon showers and thunderstorms, some with torrential rain, gusty winds and small hail. The activity should diminish by sunset. 

Rain totals over the next 4 days could easily surpass 50mm for some locations in our region. Heavy rainfall warnings are currently in effect from Sorel-Tracy towards Quebec City along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River.

Temperatures will remain in the middle 20s both Wednesday and Thursday, with overnight lows in the teens.

Gusty winds will develop with this storm system, even outside of thunderstorm activity. The winds will back from southeast to southwest on Thursday, gusting between 30-60km/h.

As the storm system moves towards the lower St. Lawrence River Valley, it will begin to slow, resulting in stubborn clouds, scattered afternoon showers and chilly temperatures for mid-June. These conditions will persist into Sunday, before yet another storm system approaches for the start of the new work week.

June has already been a wet month in Montreal, with rain falling on more than half the days already. Amounts range from 60mm (2.3 inches) to more than 100mm (4 inches) to date across the southern portions of the province. At Trudeau Airport, 61.1mm has fallen, while I have measured 73.2mm at my weather station on Ile Perrot.

Dry weather with seasonable seasonable temperatures should return for the St Jean Holiday by next Wednesday. 

Increasing heat, humidity and thunderstorms for Montreal

A warm and humid airmass will invade southern Quebec through the end of the week. Humidex values will soar into the middle and upper 30s. Some heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible, with 25-50mm of rain falling for some locations. (Valley Weather Photo)

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for Southern Quebec including metro Montreal for Wednesday.

A few strong thunderstorms are possible late Wednesday and again on Friday across Southern Quebec.

A summery airmass will move into southern Quebec through Sunday, with increasing heat and humidity as well as showers and thunderstorms. A warm front will lift across the region on Wednesday, accompanied by showers. Late today, increasing humidity will lead to scattered thunderstorms, some may have heavy rain and gusty winds. High temperatures will remain in the middle 20s Wednesday in Montreal, rising into the upper 20s to near 30C through Saturday. Overnight lows will remain on the warm and muggy side, near 21C (70F).

Cooler air arrives by late Sunday along with more widespread showers and thunderstorms. Highs will drop into the low 20s. Much cooler air will move into southern Quebec early next week, and is showing signs of remaining in place through the end of the month. Highs will be in the low 20s, with morning lows in the low teens.

A rotating shelf cloud southeast of Winnipeg near the community of Ste Anne, Manitoba, likely produced a tornado on Tuesday afternoon. It was part of a significant severe weather outbreak across Saskatchewan and Manitoba including torrential rain and large hail. (CBC)

Severe Weather in Manitoba & Saskatchewan

A significant severe weather outbreak occurred on Tuesday afternoon and evening across southeastern Saskatchewan, Southern Manitoba and adjacent North Dakota. In Saskatchewan, a tornadoes were reported at North Portal, Alemeda and Oxbow, with significant damage occuring. Heavy rain and tennis ball size hail was also observed. 

Storms were more widespread in Manitoba, with tornadoes observed near Ste Anne and Otterburne. Funnel clouds occurred across the Red River Valley. Hail the size of tennis balls fell in numerous locations. Torrential rain fell with the storm cells, causing widespread flash flooding across the southern portions of the province, including Winnipeg. Over 250mm fell in Stonewall, with 117mm at The Forks in Winnipeg. Winds gusted to 94km/h in the city as well. A peak non-tornado wind gust of 130km/h was recorded at Dand and Deloraine. Wind and hail damage as well as flash flooding occurred and is still being assessed on Wednesday.

Widespread tornado watches were in effect from Saskatchewan into northwest Ontario on Tuesday. The severe weather, though less intense, will shift into southern and eastern Ontario on Wednesday.

Wet, muggy weekend on tap for Montreal - hot next week

Rainfall forecast for the weekend can be a nuisance, however it is much needed. Many municipalities across southern Quebec have some form of watering restrictions in place, including Vaudreuil-Dorion, where it is completely prohibited.

Some much needed rainfall is on the way for Montreal and southern Quebec, unfortunately falling over the upcoming weekend. This seems to be a trend developing, with pleasant weather during the week and rainy weekends. That being said, I don't believe this weekend will be a washout.

Stubborn cloud cover and filtered sunshine is keeping temperatures a little cooler than forecast on Friday. The current temperature is 24C (76F) in Montreal, while Ottawa sits at 29C (85F). A frontal boundary will slide across the region overnight and Saturday, tapping into warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, allowing for frequent showers and isolated thunderstorms Saturday. Any clearing that does occur will make conditions more unstable and lead to additional showers and storms. The same is true for Sunday. Some of the showers may produce heavy rain at times. Small hail, lightning and gusty winds are possible as well, but the risk is slight. As we witnessed last Sunday, it only takes one thunderstorm cell or two to creates problems.

High temperatures both days this weekend will be in the middle 20s, with overnight lows in the teens. Warmer, increasingly muggy weather returns next week, with temperatures again rising to around 30C (86F) by Tuesday and maybe the low 30s through Thursday.

The rain is welcome, especially for those towns and cities restricting watering. Many municipalities are evoking water restrictions this summer to help conserve drinking water, so check with your municipality before you water the lawn. In Montreal, major repairs to infrastructure will result in water shortages. As a result residents are being asked to conserve water, especially when it comes to lawns, swimming pools and washing your vehicles.

In the case of Vaudreuil-Dorion, outdoor watering is completely prohibited year-round since January 1st of this year. Fines range from $250 up to $2000 for individuals and up too $4000 for businesses. This includes automated sprinkler systems. Washing vehicles is allowed, as long as the hose has an automatic shut-off nozzle.

With May behind us, it is safe to say it was a rather chilly month. The data backs that up, with an average temperature of 13.3C (56F), which is slightly below the long-term average. Recent years have seen very warm and dry weather in May for Montreal, so this year seemed rather unusual. Below normal rainfall occurred, with 78mm falling at Trudeau Airport.