Hurricane Bill off to Newfoundland

Many coastal roads in Nova Scotia were closed today from high surf caused by Hurricane Bill.

Bill is now racing northeast at over 60km/h and is expected to cross the Avalon Peninsula near midnight. The storm swept east of Nova Scotia today passing just 75km offshore. Winds and waves were fierce with waves of over 14 metres recorded and winds close to 90km/h in Halifax and points south as of 8pm. Heavy rain fell as well with nearly 70mm in just a few hours. Many areas reported flooding and some roads were washed out. The storm moved very quickly across the area and spared the region from major flooding. Some trees were down in Halifax, and Nova Scotia Power reported over 40,000 homes without electricity at the height of the storm. A Storm Surge and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for southeastern coastal Newfoundland. Heavy rain warnings are posted for most of that province. Warnings will slowly be allowed to expire in Nova Scotia tonight. By midday Monday Bill should begin a transformation to extratropical status as he move northeast away from Newfoundland. No injuries were reported in Atlantic Canada, but the US Coast Guard in Maine are looking for three people swept out to sea by the large and dangerous waves. The Canadian Coast Guard is advising people to stay away from beaches tonight.

Bill update from CHC

Here is the latest information from the Canadian Hurricane Centre...

Hurricane Bill intermediate information statement issued by the Canadian Hurricane Centre of environment Canada at 12.00 Noon ADT Sunday 23 august 2009.

Hurricane Bill was located near latitude 43.3 N and longitude 64.0 W. About 90 nautical miles or 150 km south southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bill is moving towards the northeast at 29 knots... 54 Km/h. Maximum sustained winds are estimated at 75 knots... 140 Km/h and central pressure at 965 mb. The satellite presentation of Bill is still very tropical with a large area of convection offshore of Nova Scotia displaced to the east of the low level centre which is about 100 kilometres south of Lunenburg County. The outer rainbands have moved across Nova Scotia and into Prince Edward Island and southern and central New Brunswick. The centre of hurricane Bill passed by just to south of the Georges Bank buoy between 08 utc and 09 utc. The lowest atmospheric pressure reported by the buoy was 965 mbs with a peak 5-metre wind at 52 knots. The maximum significant wave height reported by the buoy was 10.7 Metres but the wave recording equipment stopped reporting for two hours at the height of the hurricane force winds. By 12 utc the Lahave bank buoy was reporting winds near hurricane force with a peak wind at 73 knots and significant wave heights were 13.4 Metres with a maximum wave height at 26.4 Metres. The centre of bill is expected very near this buoy shortly. Much of mainland Nova Scotia is being battered by rainbands reaching out from hurricane Bill. These rainbands are even moving into southern New Brunswick reaching north of Fredericton and Moncton. Rainfall rates of 15 to 20 millimetres per hour have been reported in these rain bands making driving conditions hazardous with reduced visibilities and standing water on roadways. This heavy rainfall has the potential to cause street and road flooding. Undermine some road surfaces.. Washouts and flooded basements. Total rainfall amounts in southern Nova Scotia are up to 60 millimetres up to the noon hour. Southern New Brunswick has reported 20 to 40 millimetres. These rain bands are now moving into Prince Edward Island eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. The rain bands will begin affecting Newfoundland later today. Sustained tropical storm force winds have reached the coast of Nova Scotia as well. Baccaro point has reported sustained winds of 36 knots (67 km/h) and a maximum wind at 46 knots (85 km/h). Yarmouth airport had a peak gust at 38 knots (70 km/h). Lunenburg has reported maximum winds at 43 knots (80 km/h).Winds in the Halifax regional municipality have reached 39 knots(72 km/h). There are media reports of trees down in the HRM area. There are numerous reported power outages across the entire south shore of Nova Scotia. The winds will continue to increase this afternoon in the Maritimes as bill nears the coastline. The wind will reach Newfoundland tonight. Large waves are beginning to reach the coastline of Nova Scotia at noon. The buoy outside Halifax harbour has reported a maximum wave height of 6.9 Metres this morning and this is forecast to reach 5 to 10 metres along the entire coastline this afternoon. There are reports that the roadway in eastern passage is underwater. RCMP reports large swells are reaching the Peggys Cove area. Roadways near the coast are being closed in several areas. A combination of these large waves with the forecast storm surge of 0.5 to 1.0 metres may lead to shoreline erosion and damage to wharves and coastal structures as well as generating dangerous rip currents at local beaches.

Hurricane Bill

Hurricane Bill southeast of Nova Scotia.

We have a hurricane in Canadian waters this morning as Bill is moving northeast at 31 mph just offshore of southern Nova Scotia. Winds have been gusting to 100km/h on Sable Island and have increased over 60km/h in Yarmouth and Lunenburgh. Heavy rain bands have begun to move onshore and there is a serious threat of flooding from the nearly 150mm of rain expected in coastal areas. A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain in effect for the coastal areas of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Inland heavy rain warnings and high wind warnings are in place. Bill will rapidly move just due east off the coast today and on towards Newfoundland tonight. The strongest winds and heaviest rain are forecast in the next couple of hours. I noticed this morning that Yarmouth was at 22C with a dew point of 22C, a very tropical air mass and a humidex of 32C. This indicates that Bill is still carrying tropical characteristics and should only begin the transition into an extratropical system later today. A hurricane hunter reconnaissance aircraft flew into the storm this morning and recorded a central pressure of 965mb and winds of 85mph. Bill remains a very dangerous storm and will pound the coastal areas with high surge. A surge of 4 metres is expected in Nova Scotia with up to 5 metres in Cape Breton and a whopping 8m in southeast Newfoundland. There is great concern for damage to coastal infrastructure today.

Of note, Nova Scotia Power is on standby and is expecting numerous power outages. Also Halifax Regional Airport has been closed and all flights diverted or cancelled till further notice.

Here in Montreal, the western spiral bands have generated some cloud cover over the area and winds in the St. Lawrence Valley of Quebec are blowing out of the northeast from 25-50km/h and gusty in response to Bill.

More information on Hurricane Bill can be found HERE.

Bill heads for Nova Scotia

Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts during this time.
I appreciate them all very much.

A tropical storm warning has been posted for the Nova Scotia coastline while a tropical storm watch is in effect for Newfoundland, eastern PEI and extreme southern New Brunswick. A tropical storm warning is also in effect for the Cape Cod coast including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. At 5pm the center of Bill was located about 585 miles southwest of Halifax and moving north at about 24mph. Bill is packing winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). The storm is expected to continue on this current track with a gradual turn towards the northeast. Bill should approach the Nova Scotia coast midday Sunday with very strong winds, gusting up to 140km/h and torrential rain with 100-150mm possible. Bill is not expected to make a direct hit like Hurricane Juan did, however the storm will come very close to the coast. All hurricanes are dangerous and preparations should be rushed to completion in the area. A storm surge of 2-4 metres is expected along the east coast of Nova Scotia and the southern coast of Newfoundland.

A heavy heart

I lost a good friend yesterday. Someone I admired and looked up to my entire life. My father was a tremendous man, always doing the right thing, solving problems with words not violence, and showing us his love in so many different ways. He worked hard his entire life and gave unconditionally to us. We never went without. Every Christmas, every holiday our house was filled with fun and gifts and food. He maintained our big home on the St. Lawrence River in Verdun tirelessly. He cared for his parents their entire lives. He is one of the driving factors behind my interest in weather. His quiet, proud way of moving through life has been passed on to me and my brother and sisters. Work hard, take responsibility and ownership, correct mistakes.
He died yesterday at the age of 80. I will miss him. Thank you dad for being you.

One more day

It continues hot this morning across the area. Montreal is already at 25C, actually we only dropped to 23C overnight with high humidity and very uncomfortable for anyone without A/C. Today will be another scorcher, close to 33C with humidex values over 40C again. A cold front will move into the region this afternoon with scattered showers and some thunderstorms. There is always the risk of severe weather with this kind of heat and humidity present. Any storms will develop after the lunch hour first across eastern Ontario and the Laurentians and later across the St. Lawrence Valley. It will be cooler but still pleasant for the balance of the week, with temperatures dropping to around 27C for a daytime high.

Hot!

Above & below: A shower squeezes the sunset tonight. It remains very hot and humid in Montreal.

It was sultry today. Temperatures reached the 32C mark in Ottawa, Montreal and Kemptville. It was nearly 34C in upstate New York. High humidity pushed humidex readings above 40C. The heat will continue on Tuesday with temperatures around 32C again. Thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon and begin slowly cooling the region. Tonight a few scattered thunderstorms pressed across the area, with a brief windy shower here on Montreal's South Shore, right around sunset.

A quick note on Hurricane Bill tonight. I was just looking at some recon data and computer models and it appears Bill may miss the US. It remains a definite threat for Bermuda and beyond that into next week, there is a threat to the Maratimes and Newfoundland. It is very early in the forecast and the storm is still well out in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Winds are at 90mph and an increase in strength is likely tonight. Meanwhile Claudette is dissipating over Alabama while Ana is doing the same near Cuba. There is a very slight chance that Ana could redevelop in the Gulf of Mexico, but at this point that scenario seems unlikely.

Warmest day since 2007

Claudette approaches Fort Walton Beach, Fla. yesterday. (CTV.ca)

Today should be the warmest day in Montreal and Kemptville since the summer of 2007. We reached 30C yesterday and have only dropped to 22C this morning for our low. It should hit 32C with humidex readings into the 40's. Here is the statement from Environment Canada...

Metro Montréal - Laval - South Shore - Valleyfield
5:11 AM EDT Monday 17 August 2009
High heat and humidity warning for Metro Montréal - Laval continued

A high humidex value of 40 to 43 is expected over these regions today. During this period, people suffering from chronic diseases (ex.: heart and respiratory diseases) could see their condition deteriorate. Moreover, exposure to these conditions could cause discomfort like muscle cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke. In order to better withstand the heat, the following actions are recommended: drink a lot of water, reduce physical activities, and
seek air conditioned or shady areas. If you worry for your health or want more information, dial 811 to call the infohealth service of your area.

Tropical Storm Claudette moved onshore near Fort Walton Beach Florida this morning with 50mph winds and about 4 inches of rain at Apalachicola and Pensacola. The storm will weaken inland today. Bill continues to strengthen out in the open waters of the Atlantic, and has become a hurricane with 75mph winds.

Heat & Humidity

Radar image of Tropical Storm Claudette nearing the Florida coast tonight with heavy rain and 50mph winds.

Tropical Update: What had been a quiet tropical season to date changed rapidly over the weekend with three named storms now present in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Tropical storm Bill is expected to become a hurricane as he spins north of the Caribbean islands. The storm is expected to become a major system as it moves northwest off the eastern coast of the US over the next couple of days. It is still too soon to tell if the storm will affect the US or Canada.

Meanwhile Tropical storm Claudette has formed very close to the Florida Panhandle. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect tonight as the storm moves towards the coast at 12 mph with 50mph winds. Tonight local radar is showing the storm spinning onto the coast west of Appalachicola, Florida. 3-5 foot ocean swells are expected in the panhandle along with up to 10 inches of rain in western Florida and southern Alabama. Also tropical storm Anna has weakened to a depression and is moving towards the Lesser Antilles. This storm still bears watching.

**In Montreal, we reached 30C again today, with very humid and hazy conditions. Environment Canada has issued a High Heat and Humidity Warning for southwestern Quebec, and Smog Advisories also remain posted for the Metro area and most of southern Ontario. It will reach 32C on Monday with high humidity and poor air quality. The heat should break on Tuesday with some showers.

Beautiful Weekend

For the first time since July 2008, we are expecting consecutive 30C days. At no point last summer or this year have we had a "heatwave" defined as 3 or more consecutive 30C days. We may have one through early next week. The forecast calls for sunny and warm weather right into Tuesday before the next threat of any rain.

The last time we went over 30C for two days was July 7 and 8, 2008 and prior to that June 7 and 8 the same year. Those days combined with the two days so far this summer are the only 30C plus days in Montreal for the last two years.

Summer!

Lots to talk about this morning. First, the weather forecast looks awesome, finally. High pressure will anchor itself off the east coast and pump warm and humid air north into our region well into next week. Simply put, sunny and warm with an outside chance of a brief thunderstorm and temperatures approaching 30C each day.

*Yesterday several rounds of thunderstorms affected Ontario and Quebec. The most intense occurred around Lac Brome and also near Toronto. Winds were recorded at 115km/h at Pearson in the afternoon. Several funnel clouds were also observed in southern Ontario. In Montreal two separate lines of storms produced brief heavy rain, but no other damage.

*Forecasters are tracking the second tropical depression of the 2009 Atlantic season. The storm is located about 535 miles south of the Cape Verde Islands. The storm is expected to reach Tropical Storm status with 39mph winds over the weekend and be named Anna.

*The Perseid meteor shower peaks today. The Perseid meteor shower is sparked every August when the Earth passes through a stream of space debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. The best time to view it in Montreal will be sadly around 2pm. That is when the frequency of meteors will be at its best. However they should remain decent up until about 10pm tonight. So after sunset find yourself a dark spot away from the city lights and enjoy. There should be about 15 or so a minute. More details HERE.

Pattern Change

A shift in the summer long weather pattern may be underway this week as the cool damp air in place for most of the last three months is being attacked by a warm, humid and very summer like air mass from the southern US. It appears the southern one will finally win out, but not before another round or two of thunderstorms. They should occur today and tomorrow before a five day stretch of sunny, 28 to 30C weather across the region. The further south you go the warmer it will be with temperatures in the 30's in New York state and points south.

Overnight some severe weather was moving about the region, including a storm that swept the Lac Brome region in the Townships, uprooting trees and downing power lines. Power is out to around 600 homes according to Hydro Quebec.

**I want to thank everyone for the kind comments. I appreciate you reading. I also want to apologize for the lack of updates at times. Life has thrown me a few curves lately and some times the blog and weather slips to the bottom of the pile.

Very humid with pm storms

Another 50/50 weekend with bright sunshine and comfortable temperatures Saturday for the 52nd annual Stowe car show in Vermont (above). The VW Bus is my fav vehicle after the Dodge Charger of course! Sunday: more clouds and showers.

Soupy, muggy, damp and grey; well you get the picture. It is a very muggy and humid morning across most of eastern Canada and the northeast US. Heavy rain and fierce thunderstorms swept southern Ontario last night with hail, damaging winds and over 50mm of rain. Toronto's Pearson Airport reported a wind gust to 96km/h around 8pm last night.

The storms passed south and east into upstate New York, missing Montreal and Kemptville. This morning the area has low clouds, fog and drizzle. It should break and become very warm and humid with thunderstorms developing late in the day. We will reach close to 30C across the entire region.

Weekend Forecast

A few sprinkles and a chilly morning greeted most this morning. The showers and any fog will dissipate and we can look forward to a sunny, but chilly day for August, around 21C. It will be very cool tonight with some single digit lows away from major cities. This will be followed by a sunny and warm Saturday, just a perfect day for the Vermont Auto Enthusiasts 56th annual car show in Stowe, Vermont. I am very much hoping to attend. Whatever your plans the weather will be good.

Sunday will see a major shift in weather patterns that will bring a very warm and humid air mass into the Great Lakes basin and southern Quebec. Showers and thunderstorms with some heavy rain will accompany the warm air on Sunday followed by a week of warm and humid conditions with temperatures between 28 and 30C. It will remain warm at night as well, close to 20C. Crank up the A/C and get the pool ready you may need them. It is important to note that some of Sunday's storms may turn severe in Ontario and Quebec as well as New York state, so keep this in mind when planning outdoor activities.

Mont-Laurier storm an F-2

Ripped from a video this photo shows the tornado forming in Mont-Laurier. (CBC.ca)

The twister that swept Mont-Laurier northwest of Montreal on Tuesday was an F-2 on the Fujita Intensity Scale. A storm of that nature is capable of producing considerable damage. They are rare, and even more so here in Quebec. It was the worst Quebec storm since the Aylmer tornado 15 years ago. The mid-afternoon tornado produced winds in excess of 200km/h and tore through the town damaging hundreds of homes. Nearly 40 are destroyed with walls and roofs removed. The town is littered with debris everywhere and power poles and trees are down. It was a miracle nobody was killed.

Sadly in the aftermath of the storm yesterday a CTV news cameraman, the son of former long time CFCF anchor Bill Haugland, Hugh Haugland, was killed when the helicopter he was riding in crashed near the town. He was filming the storm damage for the network. The pilot was killed as well. He was a 20 year veteran with two teenage daughters and a wife. Very sad indeed - my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Storm Report HERE

Calm weather today

After yesterday's wild weather, today will be sunny and a dry 24C in Montreal, Ottawa and Kemptville. This summer has been highlighted by frequent bouts of severe weather right across the country and yesterday was no different. Reports are still being gathered, but lots of heavy rain fell with 50-75mm in southern and eastern Ontario. The automated Environment Canada observation system is out again in Kemptville, no doubt by last nights lightning. In Quebec, the Mont-Laurier tornado caused lots of damage and one injury. Environment Canada will be on the ground today to determine the strength of the tornado.

You can view a video and an updated report on the weekend storms in Calgary, HERE.

Wild lightning show

(double click for more detail) Lightning to the southwest, downtown Montreal on the right.

I was at the window with my camera as some pretty intense thunderstorms passed just south of Montreal through the La Prairie basin of the St. Lawrence Seaway. We live on the South Shore and have an unobstructed view to the southwest. This is one of many shots of the spectacular light show I was able to snap at 9pm tonight.

Mont-Laurier tornado

CTV.ca photo of damage caused by a tornado in Mont-Laurier, QC this afternoon.

According to Environment Canada a tornado swept through the community of Mont-Laurier in the Laurentians northwest of Montreal around 2:30pm this afternoon. The storm cut power to over 4000 homes and damaged about 40 homes and businesses. One home was completely demolished with one injury reported. Environment Canada is sending a team to the area tomorrow to determine the strength of the storm. It was the 6th tornado of the season in Quebec.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect for Montreal with the risk of severe weather up until about midnight tonight. Radar is showing the most intense storms at 8pm along the Quebec and Ontario border near Riviere Beaudette west to Cornwall and moving east southeast. Warnings are in effect for Dorion and Valleyfield. Rain and thunder are occurring in Montreal, but no severe weather at this hour.

A decent weather week

With all the complaining and nonsense this summer, it is safe to call this week, decent. Yesterday was very pleasant with afternoon temperatures approaching 24C. Today will be muggy and warm with gusty southwest winds ahead of an advancing cold front moving into Ontario and Quebec. the front will set the stage for showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be severe with strong winds and heavy rain. The storms will occur from mid afternoon in Kemptville to early evening for Montreal. Look for the most intense weather to be in the 401 corridor along the Quebec/Ontario border.

The balance of the week will be fair with high pressure producing cool but sunny weather. There will be a few clouds and maybe a shower late Thursday, but otherwise fair. It will warm again Sunday into Monday with possibly the warmest air of the season affecting us for a day or two. We could see our first 32C (90F) day of the summer.

- The fire situation continues to worsen in B.C. Firefighters are battling hundreds of wildfires with help from several provinces and now they are looking south into the US for more help.

- Calgary was hammered by another round of severe thunderstorms on Monday, only one 36 hours after the deadly storms of Saturday. Nearly 10cm of hail fell on the city in isolated pockets with strong tornado like winds toppling trees and disrupting power. The storms were moving at nearly 90km/h and crossed the province in only a few hours.

A spectacular sunset tonight in Montreal after another rainy day. It has rained every weekend this summer. SB pic

August started in spectacular fashion on Saturday with bright sunshine and temperatures in the upper 20's. Sadly it did not last. Today low pressure and a trailing cold front produced heavy rain in Montreal over the course of the midday period, with late afternoon thunderstorms in eastern Ontario. The thunderstorms fizzled with the setting sun and did not make it east into Quebec.

It was another day of severe weather in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The storms came on the heels of yesterdays killer storms in southern Alberta. At the annual Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, 100km southwest of Edmonton, severe thunderstorms toppled a stage killing one and injuring 75, some critically. The late afternoon storm produced 100km/h winds. The same system toppled trees in Calgary, killing a second person and cut power to large parts of the city.

This weather is just part of what has been a terrible summer coast to coast. The only true summer weather has been in B.C., but it comes with a price. The high heat and dry weather is helping wildfires scorch hundreds of acres of forest and forced the evacuation of scores from their homes. The heat is expected to continue in the interior well into this week.

Back in Montreal we just came off the cloudiest July ever recorded in the city with limited sunshine and rain on 26 of 31 days. So far we are 1 for 2 in August.

Weekend Forecast

A few light showers are around this morning in Montreal with the bulk of the moisture remaining south of the border in Vermont and New York. Some areas there could see over 25mm of rain today adding to the heavy rain from Wednesday. Flood Watches have been posted for rivers across the central and southern part of the state.

As the month comes to an end the statistics are showing just how awful a July it was. Ottawa recorded an amazing 243mm of rain as of today, and Montreal 117mm. In Montreal measurable precipitation was recorded on 26 days this month including the first 8 days. 26 out of 31 days with at least a trace of precipitation, and cloud cover as well. We had one 30C day and that was 30.3C this week on the 29th. Just terrible! Thunderstorms rattled around and we even had a tornado.

August will begin the same way. Sunny on Saturday and 28C, very nice, but then showers and thunderstorms Sunday and cooler. Next week looks unsettled with the same patter we have had all summer.

The heat is out west. Yesterday Vancouver hit 34C for the second day in a row, and parts of the B.C. interior were close to 40C, actual air temperature. Now that is summer!

Humid with Thunderstorms

A very warm and humid air mass remains in place over Montreal this morning. Overnight the temperature remained very warm, only dropping from yesterday's high of 29C down to around 25C at 1am when nocturnal thunderstorms rattled the city. The sultry air remained after the storms and the temperature only lowered to 21C. We are at 23C and should warm to 28C with a humidex of 36C today. This will be combined with afternoon showers and thunderstorms as a cold front arrives from Ontario. Some of the storms could produce very heavy rain again so be aware of that on area roads. The other night the Metropolitan (Highway 40) service road at L'Acadie flooded once again trapping several cars, so my advice it to steer clear of the area today if more storms occur.

Warm & humid weather

Thunderstorms develop in the warm and humid air (27C and 82% RH) in Plattsburgh, N.Y. yesterday.

The air is saturated across southwest Quebec and eastern Ontario this morning. Dense fog is reported in many locations, reducing visibilities to less than 1km locally. That should burn off slowly, allowing the sun to begin mixing the air. A front will slide across the region later today triggering more showers and thunderstorms. The biggest threat from these storms will be the same as yesterday, heavy rain. Thankfully the storms were quick moving in most locations yesterday, so rainfall amounts were limited and flooding was kept down. Still, radar estimates show between 15-25mm across upstate New York in a very short period of time and observations from the South Shore here in Montreal show amounts up and over 40mm, Montreal (Dorval) recorded 19mm. The rain produced flooding along Highway 15 south of Montreal, and one lane remains closed this morning.

This weather pattern will be in place most of the week before a dryer and slightly cooler air mass moves in for next weekend. With any luck we may actually have a dry and sunny weekend to start August. We will then say goodbye to one of the coolest, dullest and rainiest July's on record!

Severe Thunderstorms

Heavy rain bubbles out of the sewers today in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH in effect for Montreal and southwest Quebec.
It was another wild weather day across northern New York and southern Quebec today. Severe thunderstorms have been occurring all day, with very heavy rain. Radar is showing an intense line of thunderstorms with spectacular lightning moving into the Montreal area at this hour. The storms are moving northeast at 40km/h. I am watching the lightning to the southwest and it is illuminating the entire sky at a frequency of at least one flash every 30 seconds.

Today, the heavy rain and thunderstorms played with the sun all day, rain one minute, sun the next. Some areas had over an inch of rain in a very short period, with flooding reported south of Montreal and in upstate New York. I was in Plattsburgh, N.Y., and the rain was so heavy at times that sewers could not handle the flow. The warm, humid and unstable weather will continue well into this week with temperatures over 27C, with the risk of storms each day.

Weekend Forecast

Low pressure west of us over the Great Lakes, and east of Montreal along the Atlantic coast will combine to keep low clouds, showers and muggy weather across the area all weekend. It will not be a total washout. There will be some sunny breaks, but that is about it. Temperatures will warm to around 26C.

The heavy rain has remained south and east of Quebec in New England, where tropical moisture has prompted flood advisories for southern New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Over 100mm of rain is possible in some locations. West of our region the Great Lakes low is producing thunderstorms which may edge into our region today.

Same old story

I just finished reading some forecast products from the National Weather Service in Burlington, and it looks like our current weather pattern shall remain in place. Basically what you see is what you get. More showers with thunderstorms scattered right through the weekend. There will be a period of heavier rain overnight tonight as low pressure moves down the St. Lawrence Valley. The air will remain muggy, moist and unstable. Any sunshine will be limited. Low pressure over the lakes and high pressure off the Atlantic coast is funneling deep tropical moisture north into our area. Parts of Maine and Nova Scotia had 50-60mm or rain yesterday. Many areas of Ontario have had over 30mm and we can expect similar amounts in our region over the next couple of days. Temperatures will be between 20 and 26C depending on how much cloud cover is present. It will vary by region and time of day.

Tropical moisture streams north

High pressure over Bermuda is blocking weather systems from moving east creating a flow of tropical moisture flowing into the northeastern US and Canada. Heavy rain warnings have been posted for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The threat for heavy showers and thunderstorms is present for Montreal and eastern Ontario as well right through the weekend. The pattern shows no signs of breaking down right into next week as our dismal summer continues. It will be warm and muggy and there is the chance for numerous sunny breaks, but it won't be that perfect summer weather we are all waiting for. This month so far the area has had less than 50% of the normal hours of sunshine. Montreal has recorded around 130 hours of sunshine, well below the average of over 270.

That tropical moisture will also affect New England where flooding concerns are very real for the next few days. The system of concern in the Atlantic will be watched for further development over the weekend.

Summer weather on tap

It won't be perfect, but it will be summery. A couple of fronts and low pressure anchored in the Ohio Valley will provide the area of eastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec with warm and humid weather right into the weekend. Today looks like another warm and sunny day, followed by an increased threat of showers and thunderstorms tonight. The balance of the week will see a typical summer patter with temperatures near 25 or 27C during the day and 17 to 19C at night. Any daytime heating will result in afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, a 50 or 60% threat right through the weekend. It will not be a washout, and there will be periods of extended sunshine, but the muggy weather will mean the threat of showers is possible at any time. Seems like the best we can do this summer, so enjoy it, just keep an umbrella nearby!

Muggy weather

The recent windy and stormy weather deposited this unmanned sailboat on our property Sunday morning. No word on how long it has been drifting in the Seaway, or who the owner is.

Today will be sunny, warm and DRY. The rest of the week will be warm and humid with lots of showers and thunderstorms around right into the upcoming weekend. Temperatures will warm to close to 27C each day with humidex readings over 30C. A little more summery but sadly showery as well.

Both Saskatchewan and southern Alberta were hot and stormy over the weekend with temperatures approaching a sultry 40C in places and reports of hail and funnel clouds as well. Forest fires continue to rage in the hot weather in interior British Columbia.

Weekend Forecast

Yesterday turned out to be a fair day despite the threat of thunderstorms. Most of the severe weather remained in Ontario or passed southwest of the island of Montreal in the Valleyfield region. Both Ormstown and Hemmingford recorded 2cm hail, while 53mm of rain fell near St. Jovite. Today is very similar to Thursday, it is warm and muggy with the ever present risk of storms, however the radar at this hour looks clear. Tonight, low pressure will move across the region with rain and thunderstorms. Skies will begin to clear late Saturday, Sunday and into early next week should be decent with a warming trend.

Showers and storms

Low pressure moving east from the Prairies will bring another round of wet weather today and well into this upcoming weekend across our region. Expect showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. There will be breaks of sunshine today and again Friday and possibly Sunday behind the front.

Saturday at this time looks like a washout with 15-25mm of rain in Montreal and the Ottawa area. The good news is that next week looks much better with a round of summer weather on the way. High pressure building into the Prairies today will move east and off the Atlantic coast next week. The return flow will bring much warmer and dryer weather to our region.

Speaking of the Prairies, it is only 5C this morning in Regina. But they are forecasting a high of 20C and into the 30's over the weekend.

Brilliant Sunshine

Today will be the best day of the week before low pressure from the prairies invades the region with more rain and thunderstorms. Yesterday, Montreal only reached 18C, well below the normal of 28C for July 14. Under the bright July sun, we should reach 25C today. The balance of the week sadly will be showery and cool again with another rainy summer weekend on tap. I have lost count but I think that makes...most of them. Let's hope August has some redeeming qualities.

More rain

Is there sunshine and heat at the end of the rainbow?

Sadly more rain today as our year without a summer moves along. We have recorded 88mm of rain to July 13 in Montreal and an average temperature of only 23C, well below the normal of 27C for this time of year. Only one 30C day has been observed. The showers, thunderstorms and clouds will continue this week, with only tomorrow being sunny all day. Yesterday more storms rolled through the metro area with hail here on the West Island and over 11mm or rain in less than an hour.

This morning I took the photo above at 6:30am of a rainbow over Montreal. Maybe it is a sign of changes to come. Stay tuned!

More heavy thunderstorms

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Metro Montreal. Storms with torrential rain, pea size hail and lightning are moving into the area from the west and will continue this afternoon. Stay tuned and check the updates on the left.

F-1 Tornado in Quebec

"It was a wild weather day yesterday. I have had over 300 hits this weekend alone on my blog. Thank you so much for coming here for your weather information. It means so much to me" ...SB

Environment Canada has confirmed that the damage caused in Boisbriand and St-Eustache last night was from an F-1 Tornado on the Fujita Scale. Kudos to Environment Canada for handling the warnings last night, and for getting a team on the ground today. Tonight more thunderstorms are developing in Eastern Ontario and moving east. They are very weak and will only produce rain and some lightning. They should affect Montreal after 9pm.

Here is the official statement from Environment Canada:

AWCN40 CWUL 121734 Summary of significant weather events for the province of Québec issued by Environment Canada Montréal, Sunday, 12 July 2009....

Confirmed tornado... Severe thunderstorms moved across the Upper Laurentians between 07:00 PM and 08:00 PM Saturday evening July 11 2009. According to reports from voluntary observers and the Mirabel airport, a funnel cloud touching the ground was seen under the base of the clouds and several damages have been reported in St-Eustache and Boisbriand. An expert from Environment Canada was sent on site this morning, Sunday. He noticed many uprooted trees along a well defined corridor. Some of them had fallen over houses, causing indirect damages. Minor damages on some roofs have also been reported. According to the witnesses and the position of the debris, the expert determined that the tornado was a weak F1 category, with winds of about 120 km/h. Please note that this summary contains the observations available at broadcast time but does not constitute an official and final report of the weather events.

Possible Tornado

Mother Nature shows off her skills, dwarfing the fireworks at the Old Port in Montreal last night. (The Champlain Bridge is in the foreground).

Environment Canada will be sending a team out to St. Eustache just north of Montreal to examine damage to homes, tree and power poles in the wake of last nights severe weather. The storms produced flooding as well with 40-50mm falling in less than 1 hour.

The storms produced intense lightning as well, and I was able to rip the above stills from a video I was shooting of the fireworks at Laronde.

A little calmer

What a spectacular show tonight across the Island of Montreal. We have seen several hours of thunderstorms with intense lightning. I have a couple of photos, including one with the International Fireworks Display at Laronde and the storms competing for camera time. I will post them early tomorrow morning.

Radar is showing the last of the thunderstorm cells moving through the region and east of the city or south into New England and New York. The watches and warnings will be allowed to expire with most activity ending by midnight. Twin cold fronts produced flooding, hail, tornadoes and intense lightning across the region today. What a weather day it has been!

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The tornado warning has been allowed to expire...

Heavy rain, thunder and fierce lightning continue across Montreal. I will post pictures after. The severe weather will continue for another two hours. Warnings remain in effect.

TORNADO WARNING....

Environment Canada has issued a Tornado Warning for Montreal the north shore including St. Eustache, Vaudreiul, as well as the South Shore effective until 9pm. A trained spotter has reported a tornado and funnel cloud near Mirabel. This cluster of storms is indicating a hook echo on radar and is moving southeast towards Montreal Island.

TORNADO WARNING: Metro Montréal - Laval Issued at 8:13 PM EDT SATURDAY 11 JULY 2009
WEATHER OBSERVERS HAVE REPORTED A TORNADO AT 07:15 PM IN MIRABEL AND AT 07:30 PM IN ST-EUSTACHE AND AT 07:40 PM IN BOISBRIAND.

THE HEAVY THUNDERSTORM CELL IS MOVING EASTWARD AND THREATENING THE ABOVE AREAS OF THE SOUTH SHORE AND MONTREAL. A SECOND INTENSE THUNDERSTORM CELL NEAR HAWKESBURY IS MOVING EASTWARD AND SHOULD ALSO PRODUCE A TORNADO OVER THE OTHER CONCERNED AREAS. GUSTS OF 100 KM/H OR MORE, AND POSSIBLY HAIL OF 2 CENTIMETRES OR MORE AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS STORM COMPLEX. PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATELY THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS AND LISTEN FOR UPDATES OR SUBSEQUENT SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS. THIS WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM 08:10 PM TO 09:10 PM EDT.

Severe Weather Update

Fire and public security tend to flooding along the lake shore in Lachine around 3pm today.

**Double click on the photos to see a close up of just how intense the rain was.

A line of thunderstorms swept across the Island of Montreal today with torrential rains. An estimated 30mm and more locally fell in less than 1 hour across the western and central parts of the Island. Flooding occurred in many areas including the photos I took from Lachine (above) along the St. Lawrence River. The heavy rain was accompanied by lightning and winds approaching 50km/h. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect, and radar is showing a second line approaching the region from the west. It is currently affecting eastern Ontario and approaching Kemptville. These storms have less rain, but more wind and even hail. Be aware of the severe weather threat this evening, which should ease by 9pm. The storms also caused damage earlier today in Toronto and other parts of Ontario.

Ontario tornado kills 2

The remains of fishing cabins at Lac Seul, Ontario after an EF-2 tornado Thursday.

Two men from Oklahoma fishing in Lac Seul, Ontario were killed late Thursday night and a third is missing after a tornado ripped through this remote fishing camp in northern Ontario. OPP have confirmed they pulled two men from the lake while the body of the third is still missing. Environment Canada said the twister struck after 8pm Thursday night, and have confirmed it was an EF-2 tornado capable of 200km plus winds. They were the first tornado deaths in Ontario since the Barrie storm of May 31, 1985. While weak tornadoes do occur on a regular basis, (every tornado is dangerous) an EF-2 is rare in Canada. The storm was part of a larger system that has a history of severe weather from Alberta eastward and will be pressing into eastern Ontario and the Montreal area today. Environment Canada and the National Weather Service have both indicated a slight risk of severe weather in our region today. Look for thunderstorms to develop anytime after noon and produce heavy rains and hail. Be vigilant today if you are outdoors and seek shelter at the first sign of storms. Remember that the conditions are right for intense thunderstorms and this system has a history of hail, flooding rains and the tornado.

About 80 tornadoes a year form in Canada, most in Ontario and Saskatchewan, however they can develop anywhere, and the rural farm area south and east of Montreal has a history of tornadoes. Just last week a funnel cloud was observed near Cornwall. Already this morning radar is showing storms developing in the upper Ottawa Valley and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been posted in and around Renfrew, Algonquin, Parry Sound and the Muskokas.

Stormy Saturday

Today will be sunny and warm. Enjoy your Friday.

It looks like all the elements are present for a severe weather outbreak in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec on Saturday. A strong cold front with a powerful jet stream will be approaching from the west. Humid air will be in place, so we can expect thunderstorms to develop Saturday afternoon, first in Ontario then in our region. Heavy rain and gusty winds will be the main threat. Winds will be out of the southwest at 30-50km/h most of Saturday, with gusts to 90km/h possible in any severe weather that develops.

Sunday will clear out, be calm and a little cooler, before more showers next week. The pattern that has brought us our soggy summer shows no signs of breaking down for the next week at the very least.

More tonight on the severe weather threat as well as El Nino and the Bermuda High.

Sunny finally!

The answer to yesterdays question is today. Here comes summer, for at least the next two days anyway. The entire region will be influenced by high pressure today. It will be sunny and 25C today and all the way up to 28C on Friday or 83F! Saturday and Sunday look unsettled once again, humid with showers and thunderstorms. Some clearing may occur on Sunday. Enjoy today!

This morning there is some fog across rural areas of Montreal, western Quebec and eastern Ontario. That should burn off very soon if it has not done so already.

When will summer arrive?

I feel cheated this year, I love hot and humid weather, and summer is nowhere in sight. The rain and thunderstorms keep occurring on a daily basis. Yesterday was no exception with the mercury struggling to reach 22 or 23C and thunderstorms popping up by late afternoon. As a matter of fact at one point watches and warnings for severe thunderstorms affected most of the northeastern US, affecting over 26 million people. In Montreal lightning is suspected of causing a fire in Pierrefonds last night that destroyed a single family home.

I wish I had better news, but it looks like more of the same weather today, with a respite Thursday and Friday, sunny and 26C, and then a similar pattern developing this weekend into next week with showers and humid.

More showers

It what has become a familiar trend this summer, low pressure will stall once again over our region with showers and thunderstorms through Wednesday. Yesterday we has some heavy downpours with isolated thunder. This morning some storms are already showing up on radar in the St. Lawrence Valley between New York and Ontario. Look for another unsettled day today with any sunshine only adding to the risk for storms. It should clear and be slightly warmer by Thursday.

50/50 weekend

I froze Saturday! I wore shorts defying the forecast, after all it is July. Well the temperature started out at 22C in Montreal, but rapidly dropped to 15C by mid-afternoon with showers, thunderstorms and gusty northwest winds. It was crazy for July, with the temperatures running over 10 degrees below normal. Sunday however turned out to be awesome, the warm July sun pushed the temperatures up to around 24C in the area with locally some reports of 27C. So all in all not bad, but sadly it will not last. Look for another cold core low to stall out over the region till at least Wednesday. Expect showers and thunderstorms today in Kemptville and Montreal, some with hail, gusty winds and heavy rain. More showers for the next two days and much cooler with highs near 20C. The good news is a warming trend is in sight from Thursday into next weekend, when we may actually see highs above 27C. Stay tuned!

Out west the severe weather continues with heavy rain in Alberta, up to 150mm may fall this week. Tornadoes and funnel clouds were reported again in Alberta and Saskatchewan over the weekend. No injuries or damage occurred.

Funnel Clouds

6pm Radar of showers and thunderstorms spinning around the upper level low, as they have been doing all week. Then activity dies down after sunset.

The core of this upper air disturbance that has been around all week is centered over southwestern Quebec this afternoon. Heavy showers with some thunder have been occurring all afternoon and will continue into this evening. The OPP received a report of a funnel cloud in Chesterville just southeast of Winchester. Expect the possibility of more weak funnel clouds this afternoon until sunset when the air should become a little more stable. Funnel clouds are dangerous if they reach the ground.

Weekend Forecast

Well, we finally have some good news! First today, Friday, looks like that stubborn area of low pressure, at least on radar, is spinning over Eastern Ontario this morning. So in one week it has moved from the Soo to Ottawa. It needless to say is a very slow system. We can expect at least another 24 hours of showers with today being very wet in Kemptville and Montreal. The rain and thunderstorms have been moving from south to north all week, they will switch from northwest to southeast today indicating that the system is finally beginning some movement. The good news is we can expect weak high pressure to clear us out late in the day Saturday, providing the region with a sunny and warm Sunday (24C). More rain is expected on Monday, but we will get to that later.

More of the same

The same stubborn area of low pressure crawling across Ontario and Quebec will generate more showers and thunderstorms today. The risk has increased in Montreal for severe weather this afternoon, as the axis has shifted a little east. Look for them to develop anytime after lunch from Upstate NY into Eastern Ontario including Kemptville and especially western and southwestern Quebec. Heavy rain and small hail will be the main threats.

There is a risk of funnel clouds or even waterspouts near the Great Lakes.

The weekend sadly looks the same, showers and cooler, near 21C

Thunderstorm Update

Thunderstorms move across the west end of Montreal earlier this evening. SB Pic

8:40pm UPDATE: Thunderstorms passed through Montreal in the last hour moving from south to north across the central and western part of the Island. The warnings for that storm have been dropped, and I imagine the watch will be allowed to expire shortly. Radar shows most of the activity is beginning to wane with the setting sun. Look for activity to pick up again during the afternoon on Thursday as a stubborn slow moving upper level low continues to sit across Ontario and Quebec.

Happy Canada Day Everyone...

It has been a wonderful day so far in Montreal. We reached 25C under mostly sunny skies with developing cumulus clouds and very muggy (Humidex 31C). Radar is showing heavy thunderstorms developing in Franklin and Clinton County in New York and moving north into southern Quebec. These storms will continue to develop this afternoon into this evening up until sun set and the air becomes a little more stable. The same scenario will repeat itself tomorrow. All of upstate New York is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Franklin County is under a warning at this hour. These storms are producing lots of lightning, gusty winds and heavy rain. Hail has also been reported.

Severe Weather Update

10pm Update: The watch for metro Montreal has expired for now. Thunderstorms continue to develop over Vermont and some may affect our region later tonight. Showers will continue overnight.

• On this anniversary of the Regina tornado of 1912, parts of Saskatchewan are under Tornado watches and warnings once again. RCMP and Environment Canada reported two tornadoes since 7pm local time one near North Battleford, and the other near Saskatoon. Radar shows explosive supercell storms moving northeast of Saskatoon at this hour.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Metro Montreal and the region south to the US border. South of the border, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in effect along with a Flash Flood Watch for northeast New York and Northern Vermont. A flood warning is in effect for Clinton County in New York. Radar is showing numerous showers and thunderstorms spreading north into southern Quebec. The biggest threat will be heavy rain. From between 25-75mm of rain could occur in a very short period of time tonight creating local flooding. These storms are moving towards Montreal.

An upper level low continues to produce unstable weather with showers and storms. When the sun comes out, the very humid air mass becomes even more unstable. This trend will continue into Canada Day. Montreal reached 27C today.

More thunderstorms

Regina 1912 (Google Images)

Today is the anniversary of the deadliest tornado in Canadian history. In 1912 an F4 tornado nicknamed the Regina Cyclone covered a 30km path from south of the city through Regina and off to the north. Wide areas of the city were destroyed including a YMCA, churches and several schools. The storm touched down at 5pm and lasted just over 20 minutes. When all was said and done 28 people had lost their lives and there were hundreds of injuries. The debt accumulated from the storm took till the 1950's to be paid back. The city was forced to rebuild nearly all of its infrastructure. 2500 people were left homeless and damage was estimated at 1.2 million (1912 dollars).

In our area today, the battle with this stubborn upper level low over the Great Lakes continues. We can expect some sunshine mixed with clouds along with morning fog, followed by more thunderstorms this afternoon. Some of the storms may produce heavy rain and hail. There is even the risk of some funnel clouds along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Valley. Temperatures will warm to 25C under the sunny breaks, but it will remain quite muggy. The balance of the week looks the same as the low pressure area slowly begins to fill an pull of to the northeast.

Rain & Thunderstorms

Radar this morning is showing a westward moving area of rain affecting Montreal and southern Quebec. This rain is in response to low pressure along the Atlantic seaboard. The rain and embedded thunderstorms will continue for most of the day with around 25mm possible. Further west in Ontario it will be more showery with less accumulation. Once this system pulls out of here, we will be under the influence once again of the low pressure area stuck over the Great Lakes. it will produce humid conditions with intervals of sunshine and some showers and storms. (See 700th post). Anyway it will not be a great week for Canada Day and those on vacation. Temperatures will be in the 22C to 24C range unless we get prolonged sunny breaks as we did yesterday. That tends to drive the temperatures up quickly, yesterday Montreal went from 20C to 27C in a couple of hours as a result of the breaks. It also destabilizes the air and can lead to clouds and thunderstorms. Ah the circle of weather!

Wet week ahead

This is post number 700! Thanks so much for reading.

It will be a wet and unsettled week across Ontario, Quebec and east into the Maratimes. Deep low pressure for June is moving into Ontario from Manitoba after dumping heavy rain, nearly 100mm in that province and producing tornadoes over North Dakota. The storm will keep the hot air to our south over the US, while we experience clouds and periodic showers and thunderstorms. Up to 75mm is not out of the question over the next week with locally even more. The low pressure area will slowly move into central Quebec and become nearly stationary for the remainder of the week. It will not rain all the time, but it will be muggy and damp when the rain is not falling. Any sun will just charge the atmosphere and lead to more thunderstorms. The cycle will continue all week and only improve by late Friday. Temperatures will be from 20 to 25C but the humidex readings could be close to 30C.

This past week produced many severe weather events in both Ontario and Quebec including hail, flooding and tornadoes. Two tornadoes, and F-2 near Avon, Ontario, and an F-1 near Leamington, produced considerable damage but no injuries. Hail was reported in many parts of southern Quebec including around the Trois Rivieres region. Trees were down and power outages occurred especially south of the St. Lawrence River. Isolated thunderstorms are possible over the next 24 hours, but they should not reach severe limits.

Remember to check out the links to the left for any updated WARNINGS or WATCHES which are indicated in red when active.

More thunderstorms on tap

Very unsettled weather is on tap for the region today and through the weekend. Thunderstorms will fire up again today in the warm and humid air and may reach sever limits. Heavy rain and hail are possible from noon on from Montreal through Ottawa, Kemptville and into the Seaway. Winds may reach over 90km/h in the heaviest storms with dangerous lightning as well.

The weekend will be muggy with showers and thunderstorms both days, but also some sunny breaks. The temperatures will be in the 24 to 27C range all three days.

Below is video from Brossard, Qc of last nights storm.

Heavy Thunderstorms

Lightning strikes just to the west of downtown Montreal tonight.

After a very warm and muggy day today in southern Quebec and Ontario (31C in Montreal and Kemptville), heavy thunderstorms have been popping up across the area. Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings have been in effect especially along and south of the Seaway. A cell just moved across the central part of the Island of Montreal and off to the east. I took the picture above as the storms passed. The wind was very strong, cutting power in areas, and whipping up high waves on the St. Lawrence Seaway, as well there was small hail.

Thunderstorms on the way

Yesterday was sunny and warm, a perfect day for the Quebec provincial holiday. I spent it along the shores of Lake Champlain (my pic above) in Burlington, Vermont. The photo below is an AP photo of some of the Midwest thunderstorms. I love that shot.

A very warm and humid air mass is in place over our region. Yesterday was the best day of the year to date. Sunshine allowed the mercury to reach 29C in Montreal and close to 30C across the region. Today we will see an increase in humidity as a cold front slowly moves into the region. We will hit 30C again, before thunderstorms begin to fire up by midday. Some of the storms may become severe from the GTA northeast up the Seaway towards Montreal and south into northern New York and Vermont. Look for brief heavy rain, dangerous lightning and gusty winds, there may even be some hail.The balance of the week into this weekend will be unsettled again. An upper level low will slowly move across the forecast area with showers and cooler temperatures.

Sunny and Warm

A very simple forecast for the next couple of days, sunny and warm, even hot in some places. From Montreal west it will be sunny and very warm with temperatures approaching 30C and even going into the thirties in interior portions of eastern Ontario such as Kemptville, away from the water. It will be sunny and in the upper 20's in Montreal today and close to 30C for the provincial holiday tomorrow.

School is out today so please drive safe on area roads and enjoy the holiday tomorrow in Quebec.

Further south and east in New England and Eastern Quebec, they are still being influenced by that coastal storm that has lingered since late last week. Look for more low clouds, cooling northeast breezes, and even some rain along the coast.

Summer at last...

It appears summer has arrived right on schedule. Yesterday turned out to be a decent day in Montreal and Kemptville despite the forecast. It is a difficult forecast to make from a temperature stand point at this time of year. The temperature responds rapidly to sunshine. Yesterday for example we were expecting clouds most of the day and a high of 22C. The sun came out with less cloud cover, and we reached 26C.

This weekend we were annoyed by stationary low pressure spinning off the Atlantic coast east of Boston. The storm has produced lots of heavy rain from NYC to Halifax. It was responsible for numerous delays in the US open on Long Island, NY. Low clouds and gusty northeast winds prevailed in our area but lifted as the day progressed. Today all that is left from the low in the St. Lawrence Valley and Kemptville is the northeast winds, they will blow at 30-40km/h most of the day. It will be sunny and warm right into mid week with temperatures approaching 30C. Get the A/C ready. The next threat of any rain will be on Thursday afternoon, as the air mass heats up thunderstorms can be expected.

Weekend Weather

Planning your weekend activities, here is a look at the weather you can expect across our region.

In Quebec: it looks like the south will have fog and drizzle this morning with a risk of late day showers as well. Saturday will be partly cloudy with showers and some thunder possible. Sunday and well into next week look glorious with sunshine and warm temperatures.

Ontario: the weather will be the same as in Quebec in the eastern part of the province, but there is a greater chance of showers and decent thunderstorms the closer you get to the Great Lakes, the GTA and the southwest.

New England & New York will be cloudy most of the weekend as they remain influenced by a stubborn weather system off the east coast. This storm will affect the US Open on Long Island and may even postpone some rounds with heavy rain. Low clouds, fog and showers may prevail in this region all weekend.

Temperatures everywhere will be around 20C Saturday and between 23 and 26C on Sunday.

Happy Father's Day, Happy Summer and be safe.

Better weekend ahead

What a difference 24 hours can make! The computer models continue to battle over what kind of a Father's Day weekend we can expect, but it looks much nicer than it did yesterday at this time. Low pressure over the Great Lakes will affect us today and tomorrow with some rain and maybe thunder, and another low pressure area will give us showers on Saturday. But the change comes Sunday when high pressure will move into the area with warm sunshine. Sunday is also the first day of summer with the Solstice occurring at 1:46am EDT. Next week at this time appears to be ideal with sunshine and temperatures over 27C well into mid-week. It even looks like we could reach 30C by next weekend. After a cool May and June, we may be seeing the beginning of a long period of summery weather, hopefully into September!

Enjoy Today

Very simple instructions if you live in Eastern Ontario or west Quebec, enjoy the weather today. It will be sunny and quite warm with temperatures near 27C. Tonight low pressure moving very slowly in from southern Ontario will begin a long period of unsettled weather with more clouds than sun through next Monday and the ever present risk of showers and thunderstorms. It won't rain all the time, and it will be mild but it will not be typical June weather. Any rain showers or storms that do occur, could put down a lot of rain in a short period of time, so keep this in mind if traveling along the 401 or 20. An example of this was on Monday, when Dorval recorded only 3.4mm of rain, but parts of Montreal north and east of the mountain had over 50mm with flooding. The inclement weather will begin today in southwest Ontario and spread north and east into our region tonight and Thursday.

Heavy thunderstorms produced unbelievable hail in New Jersey yesterday. You need to look at this video. HAIL

Slow moving Thunderstorms

A Canadian Coast Guard ship moves west of the Champlain Bridge with a very slow moving thunderstorm as the backdrop. This storm has been slowly moving over the city for the past 3 hours.

An upper air disturbance spinning over eastern Ontario and southwest Quebec is producing big, slow moving thunderstorms today. One storm located over the Montreal area for the last three hours is slowly moving towards the southwest after moving northward across the south shore. This complex of storms has produced very heavy rain locally especially in the eastern part of the city. Flooding has closed several lanes on the Trans Canada Highway (40) near Ville d'Anjou. These storms should continue to dissipate as the evening moves along. Some storms may produce pea size hail, dangerous lightning and up to 75mm of rain in the slowest moving cells.

Flooding was also reported today in central Vermont. Flood Advisories are still in effect around Middlebury, Vt.

Skies will clear Tuesday and it will be sunny and warm through Wednesday.

Some thunderstorms

Thunderstorms and showers develop just to the west northwest of the NOAA reporting station at Plattsburgh International Airport ("Montreal South") in upstate NY yesterday. ValleyWeather Photo.

Unsettled weather continues to rule the region. Today was warm, 25C in Montreal, and even a little muggy with abundant sunshine across the readership area. Some showers and isolated thunderstorms have popped up on radar late this afternoon and this evening. They should dissipate with the setting sun and fire up again Monday afternoon. For a spell weather warnings were in place in Lanark County, as some hail was reported. As of now only a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect in the Gatineau and west Quebec region and also the Eastern Townships. That should be allowed to expire shortly as the threat for severe weather diminishes. There is still a chance of some rain tonight. Tomorrow will be a repeat of today.

Unsettled weekend...again

Last nights spectacular sunset and "ah-ha" moment caused by breaks and moisture in the atmosphere as the sun set. SB Pic.

Sounding like a broken record, there is more rain forecast for this weekend, but it won't be a washout. Today will be sunny and warm with temperatures nearing the 25C mark in Montreal, Kemptville and Ottawa. Clouds and showers with a rumble of thunder are possible tonight and early Sunday, before it clears out again. This is being caused by a fast moving west to east atmosphere that will steer weather systems rapidly through our area every 24 to 36 hours for the upcoming week. Look for intervals of clouds and sun and the ever present risk of showers. It will be warmer and humid at times. Remember it is June so if the sun comes out it warms quickly.

Ben Franklin - June 10, 1752

It was today, 257 years ago that one of the worlds premier scientists, great American and arguably the first meteorologist (you can see his quote on the bottom of my blog) conducted his famous key on the end of a kite experiment. Boston native Ben Franklin, (1706-1790), was always interested in science and electricity. He decided while attempting to watch an eclipse one evening, and instead being treated to a thunderstorm, that he was going to run some experiments on lightning. One of them was to see if electricity would pass through metal. He attached a key to the end of a child's kite and flew it in a thunderstorm in Philadelphia, PA on this date. His test was successful, in that he drew conclusions about electricity and its properties, many that we still use today, and that he was not killed outright. We know better today, no golfing, boating, swimming and yes kite flying in or near thunderstorms. The region may have some scattered storms Thursday afternoon.

Still cool in Montreal - Kemptville

The weather remains cool across large portions of the country. The only heat it seems is limited to B.C. where lightning strikes and dry weather continue to hamper firefighters. Frost and even snow was reported across the Prairies this past weekend, with some intense thunderstorms over southern Ontario yesterday.

Today is rainy and cool again in Montreal. I have been working nights this week, and had to put the heater on in the truck Monday, and a jacket on last night. It does not feel like June. The steady rain is nearly over in Montreal, and has ended in eastern Ontario. The air will remain unstable and cool, and I expect thunderstorms to develop this afternoon, especially along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Tomorrow will remain unsettled before it clears for Thursday. It looks like much warmer air is on the way for the last two weeks of the month. We are looking at daytime highs to rise to near or even above normal. Temperatures could approach 25 to 27C by early next week.

I was on the West Island of Montreal this past weekend. We are looking for a new home and planning a move. I took the above photo of the McGill Doppler Radar site in St. Anne de Bellevue. Some of the homes were very close to this site, and I love the idea of living within striking range of a Doppler radar site. We are even thinking of calling our new puppy Doppy!

Sunshine east - snow west

The Canadian Empress out of Kingston, docked in Lachine yesterday on Lac St. Louis. It was a beautiful day for a cruise.

Yesterday may have been the nicest day of 2009 to date in Montreal and the area. We reached highs in the mid twenties, 24C in Montreal, and across eastern Ontario and the Quebec. The sunshine was brilliant and the winds were light. Today will be equally warm with a stray cloud or two, but an increasing southwest wind may make it feel a little cooler.

This is in stark contrast to the 10-20cm of wet snow falling across the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan and southeast Alberta. It has been very cold on the Prairies and this trend will continue into this coming week. Our fine weather will also come to an end early this week as low pressure moves into the area with rain on Tuesday and showers for the balance of the week.

At left: From CBC.ca the Lillooet, B.C. fire continues to burn out of control in the hot and dry weather.

Pardon my absence, but where did this week go? I have been working nights, which should free up my days to blog, right? Well zzzzzzzzz, sorry there I go again. It has been a silly week, but I did have an interview today for a real job, and hopefully that will work out.

Now, the weather. It has been a decent week. Still cool, as a matter of fact we are still talking about the risk of frost tonight across the Townships, and in parts of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains, despite it being June 4. By my count we have had zero thunderstorms in the Montreal area so far this spring, but I may have missed one at 2am or so. This is a very chilly start to the summer season, but warmer weather is in sight as we head to the middle of the month. Today was a great early June day, still breezy and below normal with a high of 20C but nice nonetheless. The weekend looks spectacular with bright sunshine and temperatures between 20 and 23C. There is just a slight risk of a thunderstorm or shower late Saturday.

The weather in the rest of Canada has been interesting to say the least. It has been torrid in BC with nearly 17 record highs set Tuesday alone including a sweltering 35.8 in Lytton. The hot and dry weather has created numerous fires, some that are burning out of control. Low pressure moving across the Rockies should cool the area starting tomorrow. That same low pressure will bring rain to the southern Rockies and Alberta. the rain may change to a June snowfall late Friday and overnight. Some areas in the foothills could see up to 5cm of wet snow. Yes it is June.