Thursday update...

The first snowflakes of the season fell in Montreal this afternoon. Accumulations were light as witnessed on my Saturn above.

5PM: Radar is showing the back edge of the cold front moving south through the Montreal area. Wet snow is falling on the West Island (2C) and north of the city. Travel with extreme caution tonight as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing before the precipitation ends before midnight. Roads will be slick.

1PM: Latest update on the area weather. It is very chilly in Montreal at only 2C. The rain is ever so close to being wet snow, and you don't have to go far to the northeast to find snow. Snow is falling east of Quebec City and areas to the north. Travel is difficult along highway 20 east of Quebec City. Environment Canada has posted a snowfall warning for Montmagny - L'Islet and the Laurentian Wildlife reserve for 10-15cm of wet snow this afternoon. Highway 20 runs through that region for anyone heading to Atlantic Canada today. The cold front is now on radar approaching Ottawa and it will move into Montreal this afternoon. A period of heavy rain and even some thunder along with gusty winds is possible along the front.

Just a quick update on the current weather in the region. Low pressure over eastern Ontario has a warm front to our south and a cold front to our northwest. The showers have ended for the time being in Montreal, but will reform along the cold front this afternoon. It will remain cool in the St. Lawrence Valley with northeast winds and a temperature of only 4C in Montreal but Kemptville may make it into the warm sector for a brief period. Toronto is currently 13C south of the front. Northeast of Montreal in a swath from the Quebec/Ontario border across to east of Quebec City and into northern New Brunswick, snow is falling. Amounts may be as much as 10-15cm locally. Keep this in mind if you are traveling to Quebec City today, where it is currently 0C and snowing. The warm air will remain to our south with this system. Friday will be sunny and cool behind this storm. The weekend looks rainy but mild Saturday with clearing skies Sunday.

Rainy weather ahead

After yesterday’s brief mild weather, it was close to 15C in many regions, today is a little cooler, but dry. The weather is about to become unsettled over the next several days. A combination of low pressure and associated fronts will move across the region beginning tonight, followed by a more intense storm on Saturday. The first system will bring a cold rain to the St. Lawrence Valley tonight and part of Thursday before late clearing. A warm front will lie just south of the region with temperatures in the 14 to 17C range expected south of the front, but under 5C north of the front in Montreal with a cold northeast wind. There may even be a period of wet snow northeast of Quebec City and in northern New Brunswick tonight. Keep this in mind if traveling east on Autoroute 20 or 40.

Saturday’s system will be stronger with more rain and strong winds. It will however be a little milder in Montreal with the second storm. There is still some uncertainty in the track of the weekend storm. I will update this later today. The potential exists for over 25mm of rain in many regions with this system. The only snow expected with this storm will be over northwest Quebec and northeast Ontario.

Frosty morning

In addition to the snow and rain, parts of coastal New England were battered by several days of high surf and strong winds. Plum Island, Massachusetts, one of my favorite vacation spots is shown above is this Boston.com photo taken yesterday. The coastal flooding caused beach erosion, flooding and damaged some homes.

There was a hard freeze in all areas last night with temperatures as cold as -3C in Montreal and -5 to -7C in outlying regions of rural Quebec and Ontario (-6C in Kemptville). There was even an icy layer of fog south of Montreal creating very slippery conditions on some roads, with you guessed it, cars in the ditch. Today will be sunny with warming temperatures to 10C. The storms of the weekend remained well east of our area with only a few stray clouds moving in Saturday. The New England storm is now moving towards Newfoundland with snow and rain forecast. Parts of central and western Newfoundland could see over 10cm of wet snow. The snow has ended in New England with several inches on the ground. It was one of the earliest tastes of winter on record for the region.

This weeks weather will feature unsettled conditions with some showers most of the week after our sunny Monday, but milder. Next weekend may be interesting with a large fall storm developing over the Great Lakes Thursday and controlling our weather well into the weekend.

New England Snow

The Pats embarrass the Titans 59-0 in a snowstorm today in Foxborough, Mass.
Photo NFL.com

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots knew just what weary Red Sox fans needed to perk them up, a record victory in an early season snowstorm. I could not believe the weather (or the score) that was occurring in Foxborough, Massachusetts today. Despite the heavy wet snow, strong winds and cold, the Patriots destroyed the Titans 59-0. The weather was as big a story as the game itself. Low pressure passing over the Atlantic coast well east of Cape Cod produced heavy precipitation along the entire coastline. Just enough cold air mixed into the storm to produce wet snow across the interior regions of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Along the coast heavy rain and very strong winds, over 40mph, are producing some coastal flooding. Advisories are in effect tonight. The storm will continue to move northeast towards Atlantic Canada, with 30mm of rain and 40-60km/h winds forecast for Halifax.

The weather in southern New England was in stark contrast to the beautiful fall weekend southern Quebec and Ontario had. Sunny both days, with just a few cloudy periods, and seasonable highs in the 8 to 10C range, with cool overnight lows below freezing.

Snow to our south

Heavy wet snow brought down trees in Sate College, PA. Photo from AccuWeather

It has been quite the stormy week to our south and east as two storms have moved up the east coast of the US and Canada. A third one is currently developing along the Carolina coast while storm 2 moves towards Newfoundland, so lets begin there. Winter Storm Warnings have been posted for interior sections of the province for 15-20cm of heavy wet snow before it ends Saturday. Winds will be very strong over the entire province, gusting to 120km/h along the coast and 80km/h inland. This will be the second major storm this week to affect the province with a third poised to arrive late Sunday.

Along the eastern seaboard of the US coastal flooding has been reported from North Carolina to New Hampshire. High surf has been driven by gale force winds and is piling water up along the coastlines. This will continue at least through Sunday. There is the potential for some major flooding. Inland heavy record October snow has been falling across the mountains of Pennsylvania and southern New York with rain mixed with snow in the valleys. The highest mountain tops have recorded over 10 inches of wet snow while the lower elevations have as much as 4 inches. Tree damage is widespread. More snow is expected this weekend from the third storm.

In Montreal we remain on the extreme northwest edge of the cloud shield. It has been cold enough for snow and a chilly northeast wind is blowing reminding us of the storm to our southeast. Montreal this morning was at -2C while Kemptville was -4C. Some surrounding areas were as cold as -6C. I have been reading a few forecast discussions, and there is still some uncertainty as to the impact on our region of the third storm Saturday. It appears it too will move far to the east and produce only some flurries in Vermont and northern New York with scattered clouds in Montreal. That may change but so far the weekend forecast looks fair but chilly for Quebec and Ontario.

Storms stay to the east

The fist few snowflakes of the season were in the air in Montreal yesterday afternoon. Montreal managed a chilly 4C for a high temperature with a low of 0C at 6am this morning. Cloud cover and breezy northeast winds meant little to no frost in Montreal. Portions of eastern Ontario, including Kemptville had a hard freeze last night, -4C with general frost, and an end to the growing season.

Two strong east coast storms are in the weather news this morning. Nor’easter 1 moved from coastal North Carolina towards Newfoundland and intensified rapidly. The storm dumped 67mm of rain on Bonavista and 47mm of rain including 5.2cm of wet snow on St. John’s. Winds were fierce with a peak gust at 157km/h on the Sea Rose Oil Platform, 133km/h at Bonavista and 98km/h at Twillingate. Trees and power lines were toppled in the region.

A second storm is currently developing along the Carolina coast and has pushed precipitation as far north as New York and Pennsylvania this morning. Heavy rain and interior mountain wet snow is expected along the track and to the west of the storm as it moves towards Atlantic Canada by Saturday. So far Winter Storm Watches and Warnings are in effect from interior Pennsylvania across the southern tier of New York State. Up to a foot of wet snow is expected at the highest elevations. This early wet snow is capable of damaging trees that still contain most of their leaves. Coastal flood watches and gale warnings are in effect along the east coast from the Outer Banks northward to Maine. There are still some uncertainties in the track of the system, but showers and flurries are now forecast for the St. Lawrence Valley on Saturday. Stay tuned for more info on the new storm later today.

Frosty Morning

Area temperatures dipped below freezing this morning with widespread frost everywhere, with the exception of the immediate shorelines of the St. Lawrence River and downtown Montreal where a light breeze prevented dew and thus frost.

Temperatures are -1C in Montreal and -2C at Kemptville and Ottawa. Yesterday snow fell in many areas across the region including the Townships and into northern New England. Mount Washington, New Hampshire, known for having some of the most wicked weather on the planet, had nearly 7.5" (18cm) of snow along with temperatures of 12.5F (-14C) and winds over 50mph. Blowing snow and cold wind chills are producing mid-winter conditions on the summit this morning, with visibility at 50 feet! I put an awesome link to their website on the left hand side of my blog. Check it out, it is worth the visit.

The weekend weather looks interesting in New England and eastern Quebec into the Maritimes as the first nor'easter of the season may whip up and move across the region. There are some indications of snow, rain and strong winds. The models are all over the place as far as Montreal is concerned, but eastern parts of Maine, the Gaspe and into Atlantic Canada will definitely see heavy precipitation and winds in excess of 90km/h. I will post more on that later today. Remember that frost warnings remain in effect again tonight for the entire region. I imagine that most people have ended the flower and gardening season by now, but if not take the necessary precautions to protect your plants from the sub-zero readings. It will be colder tonight, well below zero in all areas including metro Montreal (-3C).

Cold weather this week

The ground is white in the Eastern Townships of southern Quebec this morning.

Depending on where you are in the metro region this morning you are either experiencing a cold rain or wet snow. The ground is white across the Laurentians and in the Eastern Townships. It is snowing steadily in Sherbrooke at 0C with light snow being reported in St. Agathe with a temperature at zero. The snow is staying on the ground across the highest elevations but melting elsewhere. There are slick spots if you are travelling across the region including Quebec Highway's 15 and 10 and the Interstates across Vermont and especially northern New Hampshire where a Winter Weather Advisory has been posted for 5-10cm of snow above 1000 feet. This would include any travel on Interstate 91.

In Ontario the wet weather may have been a factor in a major accident involving a semi on Highway 401 at the Lancaster exit in the eastbound lanes. The OPP are reporting that the truck, carrying a load of paper rolls, is on its side and an extensive clean up is underway. Traffic is being detoured onto the northbound service road (SD&G County Road 2) till further notice.

The rain in will continue most of the morning in Montreal and Eastern Ontario and it will be very cool only reaching about 5C. Frost Warnings are in effect for tonight in as it cools well below freezing in all regions. Temperatures will fall from -1C to as cold as -6C overnight. Wednesday and the balance of the work week will be sunny but chilly.

Record cold, snow & frost - October?

Despite the chilly and windy weather, the colours look awesome and the sunshine inviting in Montreal today.

Cold arctic air continues to pour into western Canada and across the border into the Rockies and northern plain states. Numerous record low temperatures fell yesterday across the prairies and temperatures are not expected to get above freezing today. It is currently -5C in Calgary, and they will drop to -14C Monday morning. Banff was -19C this morning. All time record lows for October are tumbling across the west. Snow has been falling along the Trans Canada Highway from Calgary east towards northwest Ontario. Portions of the highway were closed in Manitoba as gusty winds and heavy snow made travel impossible, Stretches of the highway remain icy today. Over 15cm of snow fell in southern Manitoba with as much as 25cm locally. The same cold air mass and storm system produced heavy snow across the Rockies in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Portions of Interstate 70 were closed and the MLB Playoff Game between the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies was cancelled last night., They will try Agni tonight when it should be a much milder 9C as opposed to -2C and snow last night.

In eastern Ontario and southern Quebec it is windy and chilly today, but skies have cleared and will remain that way into Monday before the plains storm moves east. Frost Warnings have been issued for all of southern Quebec and I expect a general frost tonight with temperatures lowering to 0C in the city. A cold soaking rain is expected Tuesday before windy and cold conditions to end the week with some flurries. Meanwhile the west will warm up with temperatures returning to above normal by the end of the week.

Weekend Weather

Happy Thanksgiving

Low pressure and its associated fronts will produce a grey and wet Friday across all of our area today. Rainfall will be light but steady this morning before a midday break and then more rain along the cold front this evening. Saturday will be showery with afternoon clearing and temperatures around 10C. Sunday looks windy and cold with temperatures remaining in the single digits. Thanksgiving Monday at this time looks like the best of the three days with some sunshine and slightly milder temperatures.

It is frigid across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta this morning. I was checking the radar and snow is falling across eastern Saskatchewan into the Parklands of Manitoba. it is windy with blowing snow at several locations. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for west central Manitoba for 20-30cm of snow. Behind the low pressure, temperatures have plummeted to record lows for October. It is -9C in Assiniboia, SK and -13C in Cypress Hills, SK to name a few. It is no warmer in Alberta with Calgary at -10C and Edmonton at -7C. A very chilly weekend is forecast with a few all time October record lows falling tonight in Saskatchewan and Montana.

Have a safe holiday weekend and be thankful for all you have.

Much colder

Today will be sunny and mild for early October, the most pleasant day of the week. Low pressure over the mid Mississippi valley will push northeast and pass south of the region on Friday. More rain is expected with breezy conditions. Yesterday nearly 22mm of rain fell on Montreal, most of it in the afternoon as thunderstorms developed along a sharp cold front. Winds gusted up to 50km/h in Quebec and over 100km/h in Ontario.

Another storm system will pass through the region on Saturday night, and usher in the coldest air of the season thus far. Temperatures will struggle to make it to 8C next week with overnight lows below freezing. Frost and even some flurries are possible. Today, that same system is producing snow and windy conditions in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Some parts of Saskatchewan will see 5-10cm of wet snow with 50-70km/h winds possible. Driving may become tricky in the eastern part of the province tonight especially south of the Trans Canada Highway.

Strong Winds

A real cute picture from weather.com taken by KD in Potsdam, NY this past weekend.

A gusty low pressure area over Quebec this morning will rapidly move east dragging a cold front across the area by noon. The front has already produced thunderstorms and strong winds in New York and Ontario. Radar this morning is showing strong thunderstorms over upstate New York and more storms moving off Lakes Erie and Ontario. Winds are gusting over 90km/h including 98km/h at Port Colborne in the last hour. Winds will gust to 50km/h in Montreal with the risk of steady showers and some storms this morning, before a partial clearing later today. The temperatures will be in the 12 to 15C range.

Rain & Wind

The storm that arrives tomorrow dumped heavy snow across the Rockies this week in both the US and Canada

Big changes are in the air as we head into Thanksgiving weekend. A potent low pressure area is organizing over the plains states and is expected to move northeast towards Michigan and east into Quebec while deepening. Rain will overspread the region tonight and continue into Wednesday. Close to 25mm of rain is possible in many areas, with embedded thunderstorms. Winds will become a factor as well on Wednesday and may reach advisory level in Ontario and western New York, with gusts over 80 km/h. It will be windy in southern Quebec as well, exceeding 60km/h in Montreal. We will get a break on Thursday with partly sunny skies and mild temperatures before another storm moves in for Friday. Behind that storm much colder air will pour into the region and some snow is possible off the Great Lakes into Sunday. I will post more on that later in the week. Next week will be sharply colder and we will likely have a general frost ending what is left of the growing season.

Grey Monday

A trough of low pressure is expected to sweep across the area today with showers and thunderstorms. Sunday turned out to be a delightful day in the St. Lawrence Valley after Saturday's rain. Most areas had several ours of sunshine with light south winds and warm temperatures for October. It was an ideal day for viewing the fall foliage which is starting to reach peak in the mountains and approaching 35-40% in the valleys. Last night the seasons waged a little battle with a spectacular Harvest Moon rising over the city followed by some thunder and lightning later on in the evening. Today we can expect cloudy skies with showers and thunderstorms developing by noon. More showers Tuesday as well, before rain on Wednesday. The next sunshine will not arrive until Thursday.

The first snow of the year blanketed parts of Alberta on the weekend. 10-15cm of snow fell along the spine of the Rockies in western Alberta with lesser amounts in the foothills, and only a couple of centimeters on grass and cars in Calgary. This morning the temperature is 1C and snowing in Calgary and -1C in Edmonton, but clear.

Flurries

Traffic slows for water accumulation on Highway 15 south during heavy showers Tuesday afternoon.

There is plenty to talk about on this first day of October. As the months change there is a real feeling that the seasons have changed as well. Yesterday, as I expected, the temperature struggled to reach 10C. We won’t get there today as more clouds and drizzle remain from that stubborn low pressure area north of Montreal, and hold out temperature to around 9C. It is between 3 and 5C this morning in the region with even a flurry in the air in places. Some snow fell yesterday at Stowe and Jay Peak, Vermont and across the highest elevations of the Adirondacks. Snow also fell across the west in Colorado and Utah as another area of low pressure moves across the central US. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are occurring east of the low and snow and cold west of it. This is a sure sign of a fall weather pattern as the low pressure areas become more intense. That system will move towards the east coast over the weekend with rain in Montreal Saturday and showers Sunday.

Fall & October arrive together

Monday's storm pushed water off Lake Erie onto lake shore roads in Buffalo.
(Buffalo News photo)

A month that started off with shorts, sunshine and 30C weather is ending as it should with car heaters, fireplaces, warm coats and only 6C this morning. It really feels like fall today. Upper level low pressure continues to swirl around southern Quebec this morning. A cold front passed through the region overnight, with a wind shift and a noticeable drop in temperatures. It will remain cloudy and cool today with sprinkles and even some mountain snow showers. Temperatures will struggle to hit the 10C mark. Any sunny breaks will be very limited. It will remain cloudy and cool Thursday, before a few breaks Friday morning. Then, it appears the weekend will be wet and chilly. Strong low pressure is expected to organize across the plains and move east towards the St. Lawrence Valley. Indications are that more than 25mm of rain could fall this weekend. So just remember the happy thoughts of the first 15 days of September when not even a raindrop could be found. Incidentally the month recovered nicely in the rainfall department. 44.2mm has fallen in Montreal with all of that since the 15th, and half of it in the last 3 days. The normal rainfall for the month is 92.6mm.

Wild weather day

Dark clouds and gusty winds greet rush hour traffic on the Champlain Bridge in Montreal.

Wild weather moved across the entire region today from central and western New York across Ontario and into southwest Quebec. A cold front associated with an intense early fall storm swept across the Great Lakes with heavy thunderstorms fierce winds and heavy rain. Winds gusted over 100km/h most of the afternoon along both sides of the Lake Erie shoreline. The water level along the Buffalo shore rose almost 7.5 feet above normal sending water onto some roads close to the lake. Heavy lake effect rain and thunderstorms then swept the region around the supper hour causing flooding and trapping several motorists on Buffalo highways. Numerous trees came down and power was out to over 10,000 homes.

In Ontario winds were recorded at 105km/h at Long Point, 100km/h at Port Colborne and Point Petree. Elsewhere they gusted close to 80km/h. In southern Quebec the front raced across the region around 6:30pm with swirling clouds, small hail and gusty winds. The core of the strongest winds will remain in Ontario and New York as the low pressure slowly lifts into central Quebec. The balance of the week will be cool, breezy and unsettled, very fall like.

Windy & cooler

A warm front has lifted north of Montreal this morning. The low clouds, fog and drizzle should end shortly and then some sunny breaks may even appear. We should reach 20C, quite mild for late September. It will be short lived. The first really strong low pressure area of the fall season is moving southeast towards Buffalo, NY. This should slowly pass south of our area this week. A strong cold front will push across Ontario and Quebec today with strong winds, showers and thunderstorms. Winds are already gusting over 70km/h along Lake Erie, including 73km/h at Long Point. Wind warnings are in effect including the GTA, for winds over 80km/h. Warnings are also in effect for western NY. There is also a Lakeshore Flood Watch posted for Lake Erie. As a result of the shallow lake being whipped by southwest winds, flooding may occur on the eastern and northern shore lines later today. The balance of the week will be unsettled with showers, windy and much cooler. A few snowflakes may even occur over the highest elevations around our area.

Big changes on the way

Change is in the air: After a beautiful Saturday, clouds begin to shade the sun in Plattsburgh, NY yesterday afternoon. ValleyWeather Photo

What has seemed like a bonus extra month of summer this September across most of Canada is about to come to an end. A potent cold front is sweeping across the country from the Prairies across Ontario and into Quebec by late tomorrow. Strong winds, showers and thunderstorms and much cooler temperatures are accompanying this front. Parts of Saskatchewan have fallen from the mid 30's Friday into the single digits today, including 1C at Cypress Hills Provincial Park with winds over 50km/h. Wind warnings are in effect for gusts over 80km/h. This front will arrive in Montreal late Monday with strong wind and showers as well as a scattered thunderstorms. High temperatures near 20C on Monday, will do no better than 13C or so for Tuesday and even cooler on Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, we may even see a snowflake or two across the highest elevations of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. We knew it had to arrive sooner or later.

50/50 Weekend

This morning it truly feels like fall. For the first time this September, there is a chill in the air. A front drifted south of the region overnight, and north winds have taken over. It will remain chilly today with high temperatures no better than to 16C. Tonight will be clear and cold with a good chance of frost in most areas away from the city. Frost and freeze warnings are in place across portions of New England already. Temperatures will nudge very close to the freezing point. Saturday will be an ideal September day for any outdoor activity, sunny and a high of 19C. Low pressure will approach our region from the Midwest US on Sunday. Skies will be cloudy with rain expected. Next week will become very unsettled with much cooler weather and the chance of showers and some storms and windy. A fall pattern is developing as we head for October.


Today CJAD Meteorologist Ed Cowell is retiring after 34 years on Montreal radio. He spent 20 of those at CJAD, and has been a meteorologist for over 45 years. I had the privilege of meeting him back in 1991 when he gave me a tour o the weather office at Dorval Airport here in Montreal. Ed is a true gentleman and very professional meteorologist. Thanks Ed for all the weather information over the years and enjoy your retirement.
Above right: Ed Cowell - Montreal Gazette photo.

Warm start to fall

The pumpkins are ready! A sign of the seasons at this IGA store on the West Island.

It is already 20C (humidex 26C) this morning in Montreal on the way to 23C. That is well above the normal daytime high of 18C and it is only 8am. Fall arrived yesterday at 5:18pm and there are some signs that the seasons are changing. The leaves are slowly turning, some areas have had frost, and the likelihood of a hard frost or even a freeze exists into next week as much colder air is forecast to invade the region by Tuesday.

Yesterday's showers dropped about 10.4mm on Montreal as tropical air and moisture was in place. That brings our monthly total to 14.6mm, or less than half of the normal precipitation. We should get some more decent showers today as a cold front is just north of the Ottawa Valley this morning. Radar is showing some heavy showers and embedded thunder moving south towards the St. Lawrence River.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo striking the South Carolina coast and racing north down the St. Lawrence Valley and through Montreal. Heavy rain fell north of the city, while south of the system in Montreal high winds and very warm and muggy air was in place. We reached 29C and only dropped to the low twenties overnight. Winds gusted to 70km/h in the valley knocking down trees and cutting power. I was working for the Gazette at the time driving at night. It was interesting night working, seeing first hand some of the power of this fast moving storm. Hugo maintained tropical storm status well inland. I have never seen clouds moving so fast before or since Hugo. The storm caused billions in damage and killed 49 people along its path.

Happy Fall

I am still crunching the numbers, but we may have just, at this very minute, finished the most dismal summer in decades. Fall has arrived here on the east coast as of 5:19pm. Appropriately summer ended with showery weather, however it continues quite mild and very humid today as well. Warm and moist tropical air is streaming north from the Gulf states and will continue through mid week with some more showers Wednesday, and maybe even a rumble of thunder. It will continue warm with a high of 25C. Happy Autumn everyone!

Pleasent week

Warm south winds greeted travelers at this truck stop in Cornwall, Ontario yesterday afternoon. SB Photo

The spectacular late summer weather will continue in our area into this week. September has been a remarkable month across most of Canada but especially in southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. Very little rainfall has combined with above normal temperatures and record sunshine to make us forget about our terrible summer. This week the region will have above normal temperatures, near 25C for the next three days before a cooling trend with rain into next weekend. This past weekend featured cool temperatures and frost, but brilliant sunshine, the third weekend this month with near perfect weather.

While the weather has been great here, it has not been so good across the US southeast. Many areas have had 6 to 8 consecutive days of rain with over 10 inches of rain falling in some areas. Flooding is widespread across metro Atlanta and many other parts of the deep south. Low pressure over the southern Appalachians is drawing tropical moisture northward from the Gulf of Mexico. The system will continue to slowly move east over the next few days. Meanwhile the remains of Hurricane Fred are located about 250 miles east of Cape Hatteras. While no redevelopment is expected at this time, it is still expected to produce some rough surf, in conjunction with our strong high pressure, as well as scattered showers and thunderstorms moving inland over Carolina's during the next day or so.

Weekend Weather

Radar is showing a gusty cold front moving across the St. Lawrence Valley this morning. The front is producing the first appreciable rain of the month in Montreal, (only 0.4mm to date at Dorval) right at the morning rush. The heavy showers will move southeast of the region, followed by a second line later this morning. Skies should clear by noon with a windy and chilly afternoon and evening. The weekend will be sunny, dry and seasonable with temperatures near 18C. Overnight lows will be cold enough for frost north and south of Montreal and in rural areas of central and eastern Ontario. Monday will be very warm for September, a high of 26C for the last full day of summer 2009. Summer had a nice recovery thanks to September.

Speaking of heat, Saskatchewan was baking yesterday. Numerous record highs were smashed including 37C (100F) in Rosetown. That was after an overnight low of 11C or a whopping 49 degree Fahrenheit difference. What a temperature range for a 12 hour period. The previous record was 31.5C set in 1981. Other records included Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Leader. Temperatures in Gravelbourg and Assiniboia were around 33C. More heat is expected this weekend before a slight cooling trend next week.

Warm west - cool east

Spectacular late summer weather is occurring across western Canada, with dozens of record highs tied or broken yesterday including 32C in Edmonton and 34C at Brooks. It will be a little cooler in Alberta today, but hot in Saskatchewan and the northern plains. Temperatures in those areas will rise above 30C again and well into the 30's over the weekend before cooling off next week.

Ontario and Quebec will feel a little more fall like on the last weekend of the summer. Temperatures will be near or slightly above 20C with sunshine. The only rain will be some brief showers Friday morning along a cold front. It will be breezy behind the front with cool overnight lows and frost, especially off island to the north and in rural areas of eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. Last night the temperature dipped to -1C at Mt Tremblant and 5C at St. Hubert, 7C at Dorval and 5C as well in Kemptville, ON.. A sure sign of things to come.

More sunshine

Yesterday's cold front barely wet the rain gauge in most of southern Quebec. There were some isolated areas that had some pretty good downpours last evening, but they were very short in nature. One shower went across the south shore at around 7:15pm last night, and it was the first rain of the month with some lightning as well. The front passed rapidly south of the valley followed by clearing. Only 0.4 mm fell at Dorval and that is the monthly total to September 15. A little more rain fell across eastern Ontario with 6.7 mm at Kemptville, and 9.6 mm at Ottawa. Today will be a little cooler with mostly sunny skies and a few afternoon cloudy periods. It will remain dry through Friday.

Some much needed mositure today

The shadows are getting longer as September moves along. This is the sun setting in Lancaster, ON. last week.

The lawns are beginning to turn brown, and I noticed a rapid acceleration in the turning of the leaves in the last week or so. Normally the fall foliage begins to appear as a result of the decrease in daylight as we move from August into September. The changing of the leaves can be enhanced by frost or in this case no precipitation at all. Today will mark day 15 of no rain in the Montreal area. That is expected to change on this Monday, as clouds are on the increase from the west and a few showers and maybe a rumble of thunder can be expected by noon. The catalyst for the showers is a cold front slipping southward from central Quebec. The front will also return temperatures back to below normal for a good portion of this work week (17C Tuesday). After the showers today, there will be another shot of showers Tuesday afternoon, before a sunny, cool and "fall like" balance of the week.

The weekend was splendid with warm temperatures and sunshine. There were a few more clouds in the region Sunday, but it was still pleasant for late summer. The entire country has enjoyed decent weather of late with the exception of southern Manitoba where heavy rain late last week caused some flooding. Some areas had between 100-200mm of rain. In Alberta and Saskatchewan late summer record warmth occurred with nearly a dozen temperature records broken including 27C at Edmonton yesterday.

Another glorious weeekend

Please take time to remember today.

Strong high pressure is blocking the weather over most of the northern half of the Continent. If you have good weather, like we do, you get to keep it. Sadly if you have poor weather, like the Midwest and mid-Atlantic, you get to keep that as well. This blocking ridge of high pressure will remain in place well into next week. Today is our 12th day in a row with no precipitation and abundant sunshine in Montreal, including the entire month of September to date. I am attempting to find out some information on total sunshine hours for Montreal for September, and just how close we are to establishing a record here. The best I could find this morning, is that on average, Montreal records 174.6 hours of sunshine for the entire month. That works out to about 46.3% of the total daylight hours. Considering that we are somewhere between 90 to 95% sunshine so far, I would say a record is in there somewhere. The next chance for any precipitation will not come before next Thursday. It will remain very warm as well, 24C tomorrow and 27C on Sunday. Enjoy!

What a September

What can you say about a month that is now 10/10. September 10 just happens to be the 10th consecutive dry and sunny day in Montreal. The precipitation at the airport for the month, 0 mm. This trend has been provided to us by very strong high pressure anchored over Quebec. The days have been sunny and warm and the much longer September nights starlit and cool. All the nasty weather is being kept well to our south across the middle Atlantic region and Ohio Valley. There is some indication that a warm front will lift north of the St. Lawrence Valley on the weekend with scattered showers on Saturday. That may end our consecutive streak, but not the nice weather. Next week looks sunny and warm again, all week. It will start on Sunday, with a sunny 27C day. That is better than 90% of the weekends were this past summer. Imagine that!

Labour Day

Sailing on Lake Champlain while the fall colors begin to show near Rouses Point, N.Y. today. (The photo is taken from the New York side of the lake, with Grand Isle, Vermont as the background)

It was truly a spectacular long weekend to close out the summer of 2009. Today marks the 7th consecutive day of sunshine and seasonable temperatures. It will continue into the start of this work week with showers expected by the middle portion of the week. The nice weather was limited to eastern Ontario and most of Quebec. The further southwest you went the nastier the weather became. Low pressure across the Ohio Valley and a "tropical like" system on the Carolina coast are combining to produce copious amounts of rain from the Midwest across the the middle Atlantic region. Portions of the Carolina coast including the Outer Banks have reported between 3-5 inches of rain today. Some areas along the Crystal coast near Wilmington, NC, have had as much as 8 inches of rain with flood warnings in effect. The system, will slowly move northeast along the coast tonight and exit the region.

The best weather of summer

Strong high pressure over the northeastern US will guarantee the best stretch of weather this summer in eastern Ontario and southwest Quebec. It has been sunny since Monday and will continue that way well into next week, including the entire holiday weekend. Temperatures will be above normal, around 25C for highs and down to 12 to 14C for lows. The only blip on the radar is a weak backdoor cold front late Saturday that may produce a sprinkle, a cloud and a wind shift, otherwise, brilliant sunshine abounds. There may also be some patchy fog overnight towards morning. The nights are getting longer and the dew is forming. The quick drop in overnight temperatures after a warm day aides in the development of fog, especially in river valleys.

Monday morning again

Some of the action from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series yesterday before the rain.

Hard to believe it is August 31. I won't go into a rant about how terrible a summer it was, but, really on all levels for me, it may have been the worst. It ended yesterday with rain on the NAPA 200 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. For the second year in a row the race began under sunny skies and ended in the rain. There were a record number of cautions in the exciting (but wet) 74 lap affair, that actually went 76 laps, and driver Carl Edwards passed Marcos Ambrose on the final curve to record the victory. I sat at turn 10, until the rain came that is. I would have really preferred a dry race.

Over the weekend the remains of tropical storm Danny were absorbed into low pressure over Atlantic Canada. The storm produced copious amounts of rainfall, in many cases more than Hurricane Bill last weekend. Sydney had 104mm, Saint John, NB, 108mm and Summerside, PEI, 106mm. Halifax recorded a peak wind gust of 91km/h while Wreckhouse, NFLD had 152km/h winds. Nearly 17,000 were left without power in Nova Scotia alone, and flooding was widespread across that province and into New Brunswick.

This back to school week in the region will feature strong high pressure, maybe the strongest of the summer, go fiugure! Sunny skies all week with cool overnights and warm days. High temperatures will range from 20 to 25C. Time to wash the car.

Lets be safe out there as our children return to school. Slow Down!

Weekend Forecast

A couple of low pressure systems to our west combined with moisture from Tropical Storm Danny moving up the eastern coast will provide the area with abundant moisture over the weekend. Showers and gusty winds will develop overnight tonight and persist into Sunday in Montreal and eastern Ontario.

Meanwhile Danny remains disorganized and may not reach hurricane strength. The storm is expected to move just off the North Carolina coast and northeastwards towards Nova Scotia. The only warnings in place at this time is a Tropical Storm Watch for The Outer Banks from Cape Hatteras to Duck.

Danny update and FROST!

In what has seemed like the shortest and coolest summer ever, frost is in the forecast. Arctic high pressure will crest over the region tonight and the likelihood of scattered frost away from the metro areas and waterways is very possible. Frost Advisories are in effect for central Quebec and the Adirondacks of central New York. Last night Montreal dropped to 9C while Kemptville reached 6C. The cool air will move east on Friday as a warm front moves into the region.

The weekend forecast is up in the air at the moment. A trough of low pressure will slide east from the Great Lakes, and give the region a chance of showers both Saturday and Sunday. The showers could turn into a full blown rainstorm if Tropical Storm Danny comes close to the US coast. However, at this time, each computer run is pushing the storm track further to the east. There is still great uncertainty in the forecast strength and track. We will have to keep an eye on the storm. The greatest risk for a direct impact is from Cape Hatteras north to Newfoundland, with the fringe affects being felt across interior New England and southern and eastern Quebec, New Brunswick and PEI. Stay tuned!

Danny

Tropical storm Danny has developed 775 miles south southwest of Cape Hatteras. The storm has 45 mph winds with a slow increase in intensity forecast. Danny could become a hurricane and threaten the east coast from New Jersey to Atlantic Canada by the weekend. This could become a very interesting weather story. More later today.

Tropical Storm Danny?

"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

Senator Edward M. Kennedy

We may have a tropical system developing in the Atlantic today just east of the Bahamas. The storm is forecast to become Danny later today and may threaten the eastern seaboard with heavy rain and wind this weekend. It will bear watching and may influence our weather. That is not good news with the NASCAR race set for this weekend.

I am sorry for not mentioning that incredible severe weather outbreak in Ontario last Thursday. A total of 8 tornadoes and funnel clouds were recorded including an unprecedented three F-2 storms. The storms caused severe damage in many locations including Vaughan and Newmarket north or the GTA. One fatality occurred and several injuries. Numerous homes were destroyed.

Here is the official wrap up by Environment Canada...

Shortly after noon a supercell storm developed just south of Lake
Huron. This cell tracked northeastward for a remarkable 200 km
producing the Durham and Thornbury tornadoes. The storm cell
Finally weakened over Georgian Bay toward evening.

At the same time a squall line developed over lower Michigan then
tracked across Southern Ontario during the afternoon and evening
hours. This feature produced straight line wind damage to several
locales from Windsor to well northeast of Toronto as well as the
destructive Vaughan and Newmarket tornadoes.

Finally in the early evening isolated supercell storms tracked
To the east of Georgian Bay. One tracked northeastward to produce a
probable tornado over the area between Arnstein and North Bay as
well as a waterspout over lake Nipissing.

Another tornado tracked through the Gravenhurst area before lifting.
This storm or one near spawned a tornado that went through the
Redstone Lake and Kennisis Lake district. This brings the total thus
far for the August 20 storms to 8 confirmed tornadoes, 1 probable
tornado and 2 possible tornadoes.

There was one fatality with the tornado in the south end of Durham.
Several of the tornadoes were rated as f2 damage on the Fujita
Scale. F2 damage is equivalent to wind strength of 180 to 250 km/h.

The following is a list of tornadoes and associated damage assessed
by a total of five separate Environment Canada storm damage teams.

Cooler weather ahead

We have had a pleasant stretch of weather here in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. The sunshine has been accompanied by some showers scattered about but it has been warm and humid. Temperatures have been in the upper twenties. That is about to change as a cooler air mass from western Canada settles into the region later this week. The cooler air should arrive with a few showers on Wednesday followed by sunny and cooler weather for the balance of the work week. It will struggle to reach 20C with a very fall like feeling in the air. I noticed this morning that the dew is a little heavier owing to the longer nights, and also a few leaves are turning and even falling!

The NASCAR Napa 200 race is in Montreal this Sunday. Early indications are that it may rain. I have my fingers crossed it won't, I did not enjoy the rain last year too much, although it did make history as they used rain tires for the first time in a NASCAR points race.

A quick post storm report on Hurricane Bill. The rapid speed of Bill meant he kept his tropical characteristics right into Newfoundland. It also meant that the storms effects were lessened due to his speed. The rainfall and flooding was thus limited. Accumulations ranged from 30-70mm. It fell quickly - in just a few hours but the amounts were less than expected. Winds and waves were very fierce with a peak gust to 132km/h at Cape Race, Newfoundland. There were numerous reports of coastal flooding from the 10 metre plus storm surge and waves. Bill finally made landfall at Point Rosie, Newfoundland on the Burin Peninsula at around midnight Monday, August 24.

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.