Typical October weather weekend ahead for Montreal

A spectacular double rainbow appeared in the skies over Montreal after a late afternoon shower on October 1st. (Valley Weather Photo)

September has drawn to a close and October is underway looking like, well, Montreal in October. I just love October skies and Thursday did not disappoint. The sky was busy to say the least, with pop up showers and dark clouds mixing with bright sunshine and deep blue fall skies, all against the backdrop of colourful foliage. Add a spectacular afternoon double rainbow and an evening full harvest moon and it was a sight for the senses.

Friday will not feature such vibrant skies, but more of a general overcast across southern Quebec. Low pressure will be lifting northeast across New England, while a cold front progresses through the region. The clouds will produce numerous showers and perhaps a rumble or two of thunder. Temperatures will be near normal, with a daytime high near 14C (56F) and overnight lows dipping to 5C (41F). The weekend will remain cloudy, with the odd shower and seasonably cool temperatures. Highs will be near 15C, with lows close to 0C in many locations.

The growing season came to an early end in many locations across southern Quebec in September. This was well ahead of the long-term average for the region and the second earliest freeze on record. Despite this, temperatures soared into the upper 20s a week later. (Valley Weather Photo)

September was certainly a strange month in Montreal. I had anticipated extended warmth from our hot summer, but sadly that was not the case. Temperatures ended up 0.5 degrees below normal in Montreal, with an average of 15C (59F). Most of the month featured highs either side of the 20 degree mark, but there were a few exceptions. We had a very early frost for southern Quebec, with below freezing temperature in many locations around the 20th of the month. I had frost on Ile Perrot on September 21st, the second earliest end to the growing season on record for the region. The end of the month however featured a couple of days with well above normal temperatures. Montreal reached 28C (83F) on the 27th, along with elevated humidity levels. The mini heatwave lasted three days. The high humidity levels made it feel like south Florida and not southern Quebec.

The majority of September was rain-free in Montreal, with 76mm of precipitation falling at Trudeau Airport. The long-term normal for the month is 83mm. However most of the rain fell on only three days, 22mm on the 13th, followed by 33mm over 48 hours ending on the 30th.

Teddy makes landfall in eastern Nova Scotia

A fishing trawler in Seaforth, Nova Scoita sits tightly secured early Tuesday morning in advance of Hurricane Teddy. Teddy made landfall as a strong post-tropical storm early Wednesday morning near Sheet Harbour. Damage so far has been minor. (CBC)

Hurricane Teddy completed a transformation into a powerful post-tropical cyclone late Tuesday, before moving into Nova Scotia, well northeast of Halifax. The once Category 4 hurricane moved inland between Sheet Harbour and Ecum Secum, Nova Scotia around 10AM Atlantic Time Wednesday morning.

At the time of landfall, Teddy had 105km/h winds, with a central pressure of 964 millibars. Teddy is now racing off to the northeast at 43km/h, expected to move into the Gulf of St. Lawrence later today, and then across far western Newfoundland. The storm continues to produce heavy rain and strong winds, but it has been the fierce surf and pounding waves that have been Teddy's main feature. Wave heights in some offshore locations have been over 10 metre high (30 feet). 

So far minimal damage has been reported across the province, with the strongest winds occurring north and east of Halifax. A peak wind gust to 107km/h was recently reported at Hart Island, and 97km/h at Eskasoni. Winds have been frequently gusting close to 100km/h on Sable Island. Nova Scotia power is reporting a little over 18,000 clients without electricity as of 11am. Approximately 300 crews have been assigned to storm damage, with the assistance of several teams from New Brunswick Power.

Teddy will continue to move northeast today while weakening slightly. The storm is large in size, with tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 335km from the center. Cloud cover from Teddy has spread as far west as southern Quebec Wednesday morning. Gusty northwest winds will develop across most of Quebec on Wednesday as Teddy pulls away and a pressure gradient develops between the storm and high pressure nudging into our region.

Hurricane Teddy to impact Atlantic Canada

The Canadian Hurricane Centre forecast track for hurricane Teddy. Teddy is currently a category 2 storm southeast of Bermuda. The large hurricane will be transitioning into a powerful post-tropical cyclone as it approaches Canadian waters late Tuesday.

Early Monday morning, category 2 hurricane teddy was located 260km southeast of Bermuda. The large hurricane had 260km/h winds and was moving north northeast at 15km/h. 

Teddy is producing massive ocean swells all along the eastern seaboard from Nova Scotia to North Carolina. Coastal flooding continues to be an issue along the Outer Banks, with large waves washing over dunes and coastal roads.

Teddy is expected to move into Canadian waters during Tuesday afternoon. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for the Nova Scotia coast including Cape Breton Island. Seas are forecast to build in the offshore waters between 10-15 metres (30-50 feet). Those wave heights will translate into quite a storm surge along southeast facing shorelines.

NOAA satellite image of hurricane Teddy moving east of Bermuda on Monday, September 21.

In addition to the pounding surf and storm surge, strong winds of 80-110km'h are expected. The strongest winds should remain offshore at this time. Heavy rain and flash flooding may also occur, as 100-150mm of rain is forecast along and to the west of the storm track. 

Teddy is forecast to arrive in Nova Scotia late Tuesday before moving across the Gulf of St. Lawrence and into southern Newfoundland Wednesday. Strong winds are expected to produce tree damage and the possibility of widespread power outages across the region.

Perfect stretch of fall weather ahead for Montreal

A very smoky sunset over southern Quebec on Wednesday evening. Gusty southwest winds delivered smoke from the western United States wildfires all the way  into eastern Canada. The smoke was very high in the atmosphere and had very little impact at the surface. The air was swept clean by a cold front on Thursday morning. (Valley Weather Photo)

High pressure is settling into southern Quebec Friday afternoon, with the prospect of near-perfect late summer, early fall weather through the middle of next week. Along with bright sunshine will come colder than normal temperatures through the weekend. 

There is a good chance of frost in most locations tonight and especially Saturday night. The only exception will be along the St. Lawrence River and in the urban areas of Montreal. This is early for the first frost, with the average date not coming until October. But that has been 2020, snow in May followed by a scorching hot summer, and now an early fall.

Overnight lows through the weekend will range from 0C (32F) to 3C (38F). Daytime highs will be in the 12C (54F) to 14C (56F) range. Those highs will rise slightly into the middle to perhaps upper teens by next Tuesday. No precipitation is forecast through at least Wednesday.

The forecast track of hurricane Teddy, has the storm approaching Nova Scotia as a hurricane, by late in the day Tuesday. (NHC)

Tropical Atlantic

Early this morning, a rather high deck of stratus cloud cover moved over the southern portion of the province including Montreal. The clouds were actually associated with the remains of hurricane Sally, passing well south of our region, over the middle Atlantic states. Sally made landfall as a category 2 hurricane around 5am Wednesday morning in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The storm produced significant, widespread damage along coastal Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Top wind speed reported was at Gulf Shores at 197km/h (123 mph). Historic rainfall occurred with Sally with 1 to 2 feet falling in many locations. The largest accumulation was at Bellview, Florida, where 760mm (30") of rain fell. Over 500,000 homes and businesses were left without power across the southeast US. Three fatalities have been associated with the hurricane so far, with damage expected to run into the billions of dollars.

Sally was just one of several storms that are in the Atlantic basin currently. Powerful hurricane Teddy was located 1420km southeast of Bermuda Friday afternoon, with 215km/h winds. Teddy is forecast to brush by Bermuda this weekend, before taking aim at Nova Scotia. Teddy is expected to approach Canadian waters, still as a hurricane, by late Tuesday. 

Further southwest of Teddy's location is tropical storm Wilfred. In the Gulf of Mexico, tropical depression 22 is expected to become a tropical storm today and possibly a hurricane this weekend. The storms future may take it into the upper Texas coast by early next week. 

Remember September...

One of two Quebec aircraft, a Bombardier "super scooper" shown above battling wildfires in southern California last week. The province has dispatched 60 personal and 2 water bombers to help with the dozens of major fires burning across the state. (SOPFEU)

Remember September is part an old Carib Indians saying that refers to the increase in hurricane activity in the month of September across the West Indies. This saying takes on a new meaning in the wildly unpredictable Covid year of 2020. The weather is downright crazy, just about everywhere across North America this year, with record-breaking heat, strong thunderstorms, hurricanes, wildfires and even snow!

As I write this update early Sunday morning, forecasters are watching six tropical systems in the Atlantic Basin. The busy season has already featured 18 named storms. Before we start into the tropics, I will take a brief look at the weather here in Montreal. September has been, well, tranquil so far, especially in reference to the rest of the continent. Rainfall and temperatures have been very close to normal to start the month. We have has a few colder mornings, but only patchy frost to date. The last week of summer, will feature some rain along a warm front to today, along  with gusty southwest winds. Temperatures will rise to either side of 20C across southern Quebec. A cold front will deliver more showers this evening, before cooler and drier air arrives for Monday and Tuesday. Monday will feature cooler temperatures, with highs near 16C and lows around 6C. Warmer air will return by mid-week, before we deal with the remains of Sally.

TROPICAL STORM SALLY

Tropical storm Sally developed late Saturday just south of Key West, Florida. The storm is located about 485 km southeast of New Orleans early Sunday. Forecasters expect Sally to strengthen into hurricane before making landfall along the southeast Louisiana coast late Monday. Hurricane warnings have been raised Sunday along the northern Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana. Some evacuations have already been ordered for New Orleans. Overnight over a foot of rain fell in the Florida Keys, with flash flooding reported.

Thousands of acres are burning from southern California into southern B.C. (NOAA)

WILDFIRES

Tens of thousands of acres continue to burn across the western US this weekend. The fast moving wildfires have scorched homes and business across California and into Oregon and Washington. The smoke from the fires has turned day into and eerie pre-dawn glow in major cities including Seattle, Portland and San Francisco. The smoke is now drifting into southern Canada. Air quality advisories are in place from southern BC into Alberta. Sunday morning Vancouver was reporting under 2 km visibility in smoke. The intense fires have claimed at least 28 lives so far, with dozens missing. Many believe the fires will burn until the snow arrives in the late fall. The Province of Quebec has sent 2 aircraft and 60 personnel so far to help battle the fires in California. It is a very sad situation, with many homes destroyed and thousands left homeless in what already has been a difficult year for so many.

A shocking summer snowstorm swept across the northern and central US Rockies last Wednesday, just 24 hours after record highs in the upper 90s. Temperatures have already returned back into the 80s this weekend. (WX Chasing Image)

SUMMER SNOW

One last note, this past week a strong cold front settled across Alberta into Montana and points south. Flurries and patchy frost were reported in Alberta. Temperatures in Wyoming and Colorado fell from the upper 30s (95 to 100 F) into the low single digits above and below freezing from late Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Denver reported snow and freezing temperatures only 24 hours after highs in the upper 90s. The snow caught many motorists off guard, with dozens of accidents reported.

I can only imagine what the rest of 2020 has planned for us in the weather department.

Welcome to Meteorological Fall

Fall weather can be spectacular in Montreal, but it still means less daylight and cooler nights. While many prefer fall, I am already missing the hot weather.

Hard to believe it, but summer 2020 is quickly slipping away, with fall weather on the horizon for Montreal. September 1st is considered the start of meteorological fall, with the warmest three months of the year now behind us. The calendar will catch up in a few weeks on September 22 at 9:31 EDT. There is already a hint of colour in some of the trees in my neighbourhood.

August was a little surprising to me, I had expected it to be just as torrid a month as July. Temperatures were warm to start the month, but much cooler to end. August turned out to be a very humid month, along with frequent rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Those showers and storms not only helped lower the monthly average temperature, but deposited plenty of rainfall. A total of 174.2mm of rain fell at the airport, the normal should be 94.1mm. That total was more than May, June and July combined in Montreal, when just 167.4mm fell. A large amount of the monthly total occurred when the remains of hurricane Isaias passed through southern Quebec on August 4.

All that cloud cover and rainfall resulted in monthly temperatures that were fairly close to normal. The average high at Trudeau Airport was 20.6C (69F), just slightly above the long-term normal of 20.1C (68.2F). There was only 1 day that officially went above 30C at Trudeau, that was 33.2C (91.8C) on August 11. That brings the total number of days at 30C or warmer to a record-setting 24 for Montreal in 2020. 

Looking ahead, September is expected to be slightly warmer than normal, with daily highs in the low to middle 20s. The nights are becoming longer and thus much cooler. The average overnight low starts the month at 12C (54F) but drops into the single digits by the end, at 7C (45F). Frost typically holds off until mid-October, at least in the urban areas.

Hurricane Laura devastates Lake Charles, Louisiana

Ferocious winds have produced widespread damage in Lake Charles, Louisiana overnight. Laura made landfall as a powerful category 4 hurricane near Cameron. (CNN)

One of the strongest hurricanes to impact Louisiana in the modern era, smashed into Cameron parish at 1 am central time Thursday morning. The category 4 storm with 240 km/h (150 mph) winds caused widespread devastation in the community of Lake Charles. Wind gust over 200km/h were reported, with sustained winds of up to 160km/h for several hours. The result is the complete failure of many structures, as well as office buildings with every window punched out.

I watched the coverage of Laura overnight from Lake Charles, provided by storm chaser Reed Timmer and his team. Laura was a fierce, fast-moving hurricane, with relentless powerful winds tearing apart structures. Power lines and trees are spread across just about every roadway in Lake Charles. Across southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas, over 700,000 homes and businesses are without power Thursday, in sweltering heat and humidity.

National Weather Service radar from Lake Charles showing the eye of Laura crossing the coast at 1AM Thursday morning. Later as the storm approached Lake Charles, the radar was destroyed. (NWS)

So far three US fatalities have been reported as a result of Laura, from trees falling on homes. I have found very little information on Cameron, where Laura made landfall. It is estimated that the storm surge near Cameron was around 10 feet, less than expected, but still a significant amount of water. Search and rescue crews and First Responders are still assessing the damage along the coast. Elsewhere in Louisiana and Texas, surge flooding did occur, but was less severe than expected.

As of noon, Laura had been downgraded to a tropical storm, loosing steam as all storms do when the move inland. Laura is racing off to the north at 24km/h, expected to produce strong winds, torrential rain and isolated tornadoes into portions of northern Louisiana and Arkansas. Laura is then expected to move across the middle Atlantic region by the weekend. 

ATLANTIC CANADA IMPACTS POSSIBLE

Once Laura moves offshore, the storm main gain some strength and threaten Nova Scotia and Newfoundland by early next week, with gale force winds and heavy rainfall. The progress of what is left of Laura will need to be watched closely by Atlantic Canada residents.

A Cameron Parish Sheriff Deputy braves the outer bands of Laura on Wednesday afternoon. (CNN/AP)

Dangerous hurricane Laura rapidly strengthening

Satellite image of extremely dangerous hurricane Laura located over the central Gulf of Mexico early Wednesday morning. Laura is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane today before moving inland over extreme southwest Louisiana tonight. (NOAA)

Hurricane Laura is expected to deepen rapidly today into a monster category 4 hurricane as the storm approaches the northern Gulf Coast. Early Wednesday morning, the center of Laura was located 540 km southeast of Galveston, Texas, moving northwest at 24km/h. Peak winds overnight have increased to 175km/h (110mph). Further intensification is likely today as Laura moves over the very warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  

Widespread hurricane and storm warnings are now in effect from the upper Texas coast eastward towards Mississippi.

Laura is forecast to make landfall late this evening or overnight, with catastrophic storm surge expected to the right of where the center comes onshore. A surge of 12-15 feet is forecast along the southwest Louisiana coast, including low-lying Cameron Parish. Preparations and evacuations are being rushed to completion this morning. Tropical storm force winds and water will begin arriving at the coast early this afternoon.

Hurricane hunter aircraft have reported that Laura has become a larger storm overnight, with hurricane and tropical storm winds extending outward far from the center of the storm. Strong winds, torrential rain and flash flooding will impact a large portion of Texas and Louisiana including metro Houston tonight and Thursday. Those conditions will spread into northern Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma and Arkansas on Friday.

I will post further updates on hurricane Laura later today.

Twin storms threaten the US Gulf Coast

A NOAA satellite image showing the location of two tropical storms expected to impact the US Gulf Coast during the upcoming week. (NHC)

It has already been a record-breaking tropical season in the Atlantic Basin, and we are just entering the peak portion of the year. From mid-August through late September is usually when the tropics really begin to heat up. Tonight we have two tropical storms, Laura and Marco in the Caribbean Sea. On average, the M named storm does not come along until late October.

Tropical Storm Marco

Let's start with the western most storm Marco. Tropical storm Marco late this afternoon was about 50 miles (80 km) west of the western tip of Cuba, with 65 mph (104 km/h) winds. Marco has surprised everyone today by remaining over open water and splitting the Yucatan and Cuban coasts. Originally forecasters believed Marco would cross the Yucatan, and take a run at the Texas coast. It now appears the storm will head much further east, towards the mouth of the Mississippi River. Marco is expected to encounter upper level wind shear over the next 24 hours and may weaken somewhat. Marco may still reorganize and strengthen in time to arrive at the Louisiana coast as a hurricane by late Monday or early Tuesday. A hurricane watch has already been posted from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle. A state of emergency has been declared across the region, and residents are being urged to prepare now.

Tropical Storm Laura

Tropical storm Laura is a compact system, located over Puerto Rico late Saturday. Laura has 50 mph (80 km/h) winds, and is producing very heavy rainfall, flooding and mudslides over portions of Puerto Rico and neighbouring Hispaniola. Laura is forecast to eventually head northwest across Cuba and the Florida Keys and into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by late Monday. As early as Wednesday, Laura will be threatening the same coastline that was hit by Marco on Monday. Forecasters expect Laura to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall on Wednesday.

This is a very rare event to have two tropical systems making landfall along the same coast, within miles of each other, in under 48 hours. This will certainly be an interesting if not historic weather week.

Slightly cooler weather week ahead for southern Quebec

A rare fire tornado erupts along the edge of the Loyalton Fire in Lassen County, California on Saturday. (Photo by Katelynn Hewlett via social media)

As I am writing this blog update, light to moderate rain is falling outside my office window in Saint Laurent. Since about 9:30am, nearly 20mm has fallen already in the west end of the city. The rain is associated with an extremely slow moving cold front that is draped across eastern Ontario. The front and a secondary trough will take the better part of the next 24 hours to clear the region. Until then we can expect a very muggy airmass, with temperatures in the middle 20s. Showers and isolated thunderstorms will prevail as well, with the bulk of the precipitation occurring Monday morning and again Tuesday afternoon.

Behind the front, cooler and drier air will push into the region. The weather will not be cold, but will feel very refreshing after the prolonged heat this summer. The pleasant weather will prevail to end the week, unfortunately another round of showers and thunderstorms will be possible by the upcoming weekend. 

The sun peeks through the clouds on another humid August afternoon in Montreal. The summer of 2020 will likely be one of the warmest on record for the city, with a record-setting 24 days over 30C (86F) already and another 9 days over 29C (85F). (ValleyWeather Photo)

August has featured just one day of 30C weather to date in Montreal, bringing the total to a record-breaking 24 days since late May. If you add the 9 days where the temperature fell just short of that mark, between 29C and 29.9C, nearly one third of the summer has had high temperatures over 85F in Montreal.

It is now western Canada's turn to experience high heat. A strong ridge of high pressure over Utah, is pumping hot air from Arizona and California, northward into BC and Alberta. Strong south winds are acting like a blast furnace, with daily highs soaring into the upper 30s and 40s on Sunday. Over 20 record highs were broken in BC and Alberta on Sunday. The hot spot was Lytton, B.C. where the temperature reached a scorching 41.2C (106F). The hot weather is expected to persist most of the upcoming week from BC to Saskatchewan. 

The weather was much the same south of the border from the Pacific Northwest south towards the Mexican border. In southern California and Arizona, highs in some locations have reached the upper 40s (110-115F). The hot, dry weather is fuelling massive forest fires across western North America. In B.C., 24 active fires are burning, an increase of 10 in just the last 24 hours. One of the largest fires in recent history is burning in Colorado, west of Denver. In Lassen County, California, nearly 10,000 acres have burned in the Hog Fire. The raging infernos produced a rare fire tornado in the Loyalton fire complex close to the Nevada border on Saturday. 

The heatwave is expected to persist for the entire upcoming week across the west, with only some slight relief occurring along the Canadian border.

Another heat warning in effect for Montreal and southern Quebec

Another stretch of hot and humid weather is on tap for metro Montreal this week, in what is quickly becoming one of the warmest summers ever recorded in the city.

Heat warning posted for southern Quebec and eastern Ontario, including metro Montreal and Ottawa.

I have lost count, but we have had at least a half dozen or so heat warnings that have been issued for Montreal this summer. We have another in effect currently, as temperatures are expected to rise into the low 30s Monday and Tuesday, along with elevated humidity levels. The humidex is forecast to approach 40C through the start of the week.

Once the fog and low clouds burn off Monday morning, we are looking at warm and humid weather through early Wednesday, with the risk of a few showers and thunderstorms on the increase. Less humid weather should return by Wednesday afternoon, bit temperatures will remain warm.

This warm snap comes on the heels of the hottest July on record for Montreal. The average for the month was a sultry 24.3C (75.7F), the normal should be 21.2C(70.1F). The city had 14 daily highs in excess of 30C (86F) with a maximum reading of 36.1C (97F). The overnight periods were extremely warm, with 13 daily lows remaining above 20C (68F) and 28 of the 31days over 16C (60F). It was a similar story across eastern North America, with many cities either reporting their warmest July or in the top 5 at the very least. Burlington, Vermont had it warmest month ever on record at 24.9C (76.9F), with their data dating back to 1892. 

An incredible photo of the massive EF-2 tornado that struck near Scarth, Manitoba on Friday evening. The powerful storm travelled at least 9km across the area south of Virden. Local RCMP have sadly confirmed two fatalities as a result of the tornado.
(PHOTO: Manitoba Storm Chasers)

Massive deadly Manitoba tornado

A rare EF-2 tornado, with winds of up to 190km/h occurred Friday evening near the small town of Scarth south of Virden in southwest Manitoba. Sadly 2 teens were killed after the violent storm tossed their truck off the highway.  There was an additional injury reported by the RCMP. The storm also produced damage to several farms as well as power lines and trees. According to The Northern Tornadoes Project, the tornado had a preliminary track length of 9.35 km long and 740 metres wide.

The complex of thunderstorms produced several tornadoes Friday evening across southeast Saskatchewan, Manitoba and North Dakota. There was also large hail reported in the region. Canada has had a sharp increase in tornadic activity this summer across Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, likely due to the hot and humid weather that has prevailed. The country averages 62 tornadoes for the entire year, and we are quickly closing in on that number with at least 52 to date.

Over 45,000 lose power in Quebec from Isaias

Widespread damage and power outages occurred as a result of tropical storm Isaias along the entire east coast from North Carolina to southern Quebec. A US postal worker was lucky to escape with his life after a massive tree crushed his delivery vehicle on Tuesday in northern New Jersey. (CBS)

Tropical storm Isaias is gone, dissipating well northeast of Quebec City on Wednesday. All that is left behind here in Montreal, are some ragged dark clouds, isolated showers and gusty winds. The storm was disruptive on Tuesday to say the very least. After making landfall near Oak Island, North Carolina Monday night, Isaias raced northeast at lightning speed arriving in southern Quebec just before midnight on Tuesday, having traveled over 1500km in about 24 hours.

Along the way, Isaias dumped torrential rain, spawned dozens of tornadoes and killed at least 6 people in the US. Power outages were numerous across the eastern seaboard, rivalling those from superstorm Sandy back in 2012. Nearly 4 million residents were in the dark at the height of the storm on Tuesday. That number is slowly coming down today. There was major damage to homes and infrastructure in coastal North Carolina at the point of landfall, as well as scattered significant damage from tornadoes in several states including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. On Mount Washington in northern New Hampshire, a wind gust to 236 km/h (147mph) was reported as the storm passed late Tuesday.

Strong winds pulled down trees in the Quebec City region on Tuesday, taking down power lines in the process. At the height of the storm, over 45,000 Hydro-Quebec subscribers were in the dark. (Radio Canada)

In southern Quebec, heavy rain fell most of the day, with 100mm (4 inches) falling in Trois Rivieres, 120mm in the Charlevoix region and 30 to 50mmm here in metro Montreal. There was some minor flooding observed, but thankfully nothing too serious. The strongest winds in Quebec were confined to a narrow swath across the Townships into Quebec City, where Winds gusted up to 90 km/h. Power was out to over 45,000 homes and businesses, mostly around Quebec City and points south to the US border. At 11:15 Wednesday morning, that number was down to 21,000.

In the wake of Isaias, much calmer weather will return to southern Quebec to end the work week, with sunshine and warm temperatures expected into the upcoming weekend.

Tropical Storm Isaias to move from the Carolinas to Quebec

A NOAA Satellite image of tropical storm Isaias nearing the South Carolina coast late Monday. The storm may reach hurricane strength of 75 mph just prior to landfall.

Tropical Storm Isaias was located 100km south, southeast of Charleston, South Carolina at 5pm Monday afternoon. The storm is forecast to make landfall late this evening very close to the North Carolina/South Carolina border, possibly as a Category 1 hurricane. Isaias is a strong tropical storm this evening, with 70mph (112km/h) winds and showing better organization that it has in some time. Heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding will impact a large swath of the Eastern Seaboard on Tuesday.

The system will race northeast on Tuesday along the middle Atlantic coast and into New England. Isaias will then continue across New Hampshire and Vermont and likely into southeastern Quebec by early Wednesday morning.

Widespread weather warnings are in place along the entire projected path of the storm, for strong damaging winds, heavy tropical rain and storm surge. In southern Quebec, heavy rainfall warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for the Eastern Townships and Beauce, for up to 60mm of rain. The rain will likely fall in just a few hours on Tuesday evening, so flash flooding is possible. In Vermont and eastern New York, flash flood watches have been issued, with between 50-100mm (2-4 inches) of rain expected. A tropical storm watch is in effect for all of interior New Hampshire, with warnings along the coast. Winds may reach 80 to 100km/h in southern New Hampshire and Vermont.

The 5pm forecast track for Isaias, has the tropical storm moving from the Carolinas to southern Quebec over the next 36 hours.

Impacts in Montreal

Montreal will be on the western edge of the storm, with showers and thunderstorms expected Tuesday, along with gusty winds of 20-40km/h. In other parts of Quebec, winds will gust up to 60km/h. In terms of rainfall, Montreal can expect another 25mm (1 inch) of rain from Isaias through early Wednesday. We can add that to the 39mm that fell in thunderstorms on Sunday. Any change in the forecast track would have an impact on the rain totals for Montreal.

Isaias managed to spare Florida, with the worst of the weather remaining offshore.

Isaias will continue to weaken slowly, while moving northeast into Labrador on Thursday.

Hurricane Isaias heads for south Florida

The path of Hurricane Isaias, will take the system from the Bahamas into south Florida this weekend, and eventually up the eastern seaboard towards New England. (NHC)

Hurricane Isaias, the 9th tropical system of the record-breaking 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season, is moving across the central Bahamas early Saturday morning. The storm is located 125 km south, southeast of Nassau, moving northwest at 19km/h. Winds in the hurricane are gusting over 140km/h.

Isaias is expected to maintain hurricane strength as the system approaches the south Florida coast late Saturday or early Sunday. At this time, the center is expected to remain slightly offshore, with the most intense weather perhaps remaining over the Atlantic. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Florida coast from Boca Raton to Volusia County. Winds of at least tropical storm force 39mph (62km/h) are expected across much of eastern Florida later today. Even if the center remains offshore, heavy rainfall, in excess of 150mm is possible along the east coast of Florida through Sunday. A storm surge of up to 4 feet is also possible along the path of Isaias.

All interests along the entire east coast as far north as New England are advised to monitor Isaias. The storm will likely impact the Carolina's by Tuesday. Evacuations have been ordered for Ocracoke Island along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which was devastated by Hurricane Dorion last September. 

By Wednesday, a weakening Isaias should be providing some decent rainfall to southern and central New England and eventually Atlantic Canada. At this time, only a few showers and perhaps a rumble of thunder are expected for Montreal and the St. Lawrence Valley from Isaias.

Smoking-hot summer continues in Montreal

The sun rises on another 30C day in Montreal on Saturday, July 25. We have already tied the record for the most 30C days in any year and it is only July. (ValleyWeather Photo)

Saturday was the 21st day of 2020 that the mercury has surpassed 30C (86F) in Montreal. On average we can expect less than 10 such days, but that number has been on the rise in recent years. That mark ties us for the most 30C days in any given year set just two years ago in 2018. A record that was established in mid-September of that year, we are only in July. The record will be broken today, with a forecast high of 33C (92F) for Montreal. Along with the heat, we will see a spike in humidity levels Sunday. Afternoon humidex values are expected to surpass 40C across many locations in southwestern Quebec and eastern Ontario. Widespread heat warnings are in effect.

Sunday morning is windy and warm in Montreal, with southwest winds pulling in the moist, tropical air. Trudeau Airport is already at 23C (73F), our overnight low for the day. Winds will persist all day, in the 30-50km/h range. Expect hazy, hot and humid weather Sunday and Monday, with the risk of afternoon showers and thunderstorms both days. Any storms will be capable of very heavy rainfall, as the air is saturated with humidity.

By Tuesday, less oppressive conditions are expected, with lower humidity levels and cooler temperatures. There will still be a chance for afternoon showers, but the weather should be dry most of the time. The closer-to-normal weather will persist for most of this upcoming week, with highs in the upper 20s.

Flood waters from the Gulf of Mexico surge into Coastal Texas as Hurricane Hana moved inland on Saturday, July 25th. (Corpus Christie Caller-Times)

Hurricane Hana
The record-breaking 8th tropical system of the Atlantic hurricane season, became the first hurricane on Saturday as Hana moved across the Gulf of Mexico and into south Texas. The storm over performed, becoming a strong category 1 hurricane, with 90mph (150km/h) winds. The canter made landfall around 5pm Saturday on Padre Island, Texas. A surge of 3 to 5 feet produced coastal flooding, along with up to 250mm of rain. There was widespread minor to at times moderate damage reported along the coast. Over 250,000 homes and businesses lost power. Hana has weakened to a tropical storm while moving inland across northeast Mexico. Flash flooding is expected across the Rio Grand Valley today.

Hana is the earliest 8th named storm on record for the Atlantic basin. The season runs from June to November, typically peaking in September. The next storm is already on the horizon, beginning to develop across the far eastern Atlantic. Over the next few days, the wave is expected to become a tropical depression while heading west towards the Caribbean Sea.

Another surge of hot - humid air for Montreal this weekend

Very hot and humid weather will blanket the entire eastern seaboard this weekend, including Montreal. (AccuWeather Image)

We are expecting another surge of heat and humidity across southern Quebec this weekend, it what is quickly becoming a torrid summer. Early Friday morning, a warm front is lifting across the St. Lawrence Valley, accompanied by clouds and showers. There is even a rumble or two of thunder here on Ile Perrot. Even if I could not hear it myself, I know because my furry barometer is under my desk. The showers and storms will persist through the mid-morning before tapering off.

Total precipitation won't amount to much, perhaps 10mm, but we need the rain. Only 21mm has fallen at Trudeau Airport in July, well below normal for the third consecutive month.We have a general watering ban in place here on Ile Perrot, but that does not stop some neighbours on my street from running their sprinkler system all night, despite the rain. But I digress. There may be restrictions as well in other municipalities, so check with your city or town.

As the front clears southern Quebec by Friday afternoon, it will set the stage for a very hot, tropical weekend. We will likely reach 30C (86F) Friday, as the skies clear. On Saturday, expect hazy sunshine, elevated humidity levels, and highs approaching 32C (90F). The overnight period into Sunday will be hot, with temperatures only settling into the 23 to 25C (73-77F) range. Sunday will be hot and oppressively humid, with daytime highs into the middle 30s, perhaps reaching our third 36C (97F) temperature this summer here in Montreal. Humidex values will rise into the 40s. 

Some relief arrives Sunday night, as a cold front moves across the region. Strong thunderstorms are expected into early Monday morning. Slightly cooler air returns to start next week. Many readers will be on vacation next week, so if you are enjoy and be safe. Keep an eye to the sky if outside and remember when the thunder roars, go indoors.

Record-breaking heat expected in Montreal to end the week

A tropical airmass over Montreal is expected to prevail into the weekend, with hot and humid weather forecast. A heat warning is in effect for the city.

Strong thunderstorms are expected this afternoon in Montreal as a very hot and humid tropical air mass remains in place across eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. Many locations in Ontario and Quebec, including Toronto and Ottawa, have been above 30C for daily highs since July began. Montreal has exceeded 30C each day except once when we hit 29C.

The heat is expected to intensify as we end the week, with all-time July monthly records expected to be challenged on Friday. On Wednesday, a few pre-dawn thunderstorms rumbled around the Montreal region, before skies cleared somewhat and the heat and humidity built. Tropical humidity levels are present in Montreal Wednesday afternoon, and more thunderstorms are likely over the next few hours. Some of the storms may be rather strong, with heavy rain and gusty winds the main threat. High temperatures will reach into the low 30s once again.

Thursday and Friday will feature very warm, humid air, with hazy skies and temperatures into the middle 30s. The high on Friday is forecast to be 36C (97F), which would be the warmest July temperature on record for Montreal, surpassing the previous high of  35.6C (96F) set on July 17th, 1953.

The warmest temperature ever in the city was set on Friday, August 1, 1975, in the middle of a 5 day heatwave, at 37.6C (99.7F). We have an outside shot at the all-time record. I remember the 75 heatwave well, my dad finally gave in to the kids and mom, and we purchased our first pool. 

Relief will arrive in the form of showers and thunderstorms by Saturday. A tropical system is expected to develop along the eastern seaboard and move northeast towards New England. The system may push enough moisture northward for some decent rain over the weekend. If the storm develops it will be named Fay, the sixth system of the young hurricane season. Already, this is the earliest in any season on record that the Atlantic basin has reach the "E" named storm.

The heatwave is extensive, reaching from the middle portion of the US into the Great Lakes and northeast. Heat warnings and advisories are widespread, including a large portion of eastern Canada form central Ontario into Quebec.

From twitter, a spectacular shot of a wide tornado on the ground near Glenbain, Saskatchewan last Saturday. The storm was one of at least three tornadoes reported in the province. Damage occurred, but thankfully no injuries were reported.

Saskatchewan Tornado

One final note, on Saturday afternoon, strong thunderstorms produced several tornadoes in southern Saskatchewan, very close to where I lived from 1997 to 2000. The strongest tornado occurred south of Gravelbourg and east of Glenbain, damaging a farm and some silos as well as several vehicles. Two other tornadoes associated with the same supercell thunderstorm were reported near Kincaid and Assiniboia. Large hail also accompanied the storm. Environment Canada is still investigating the strength of the storms. Thankfully no injuries were reported.

Yet another heatwave on the horizon for Montreal

Enjoy the sunny, warm weather on this Canada Day in Montreal. Prepare for another long stretch of hot weather in southern Quebec, with daytime highs at or above 30C (86F) for at least the next week. Rainfall has been spotty at best and many municipalities are asking that you conserve water and avoid unnecessary use.

Happy Canada Day!

A stubborn upper-level low pressure system has been spinning from the Great Lakes into eastern New England since this past Saturday. It has been a repeat performance of weather on a daily basis with clouds, clear breaks, showers, thunderstorms and plenty of humidity. The bulk of the rain and storms Tuesday and again today Canada Day, are east and southeast of metro Montreal. Areas across Vermont and the Townships have had decent rainfall, upwards of 25mm, while Montreal has only reported spotty precipitation. The biggest storms in Montreal occurred last Sunday, when 5 to 10mm fell in parts of the city, including here on Ile Perrot.

Conserve Water
The rain was welcome, but conditions remain dry, with only 46.4mm of rain reported at Trudeau Airport for the month of June. That is a little more than half the normal amount of 87 mm. The region remains dry, as the precipitation has been highly variable from location to location. Unfortunately we are in for another long stretch of relatively dry, hot weather. The word is conserve. Most municipalities have issued watering bans or restrictions. We need to do our part as the next two weeks are looking dry and hot. Temperatures will rise into the low 30s from today through next Wednesday and perhaps longer. We may see an isolated thunderstorm Thursday afternoon and evening, but other than that threat, no appreciable rain is in our future. Strong hot high pressure building over the US plains will begin to nose into the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley over the coming days. Any rain will likely remain east of Montreal.

Hot June
Montreal reached the 30C (86F) plateau eight times in June, including seven days over 32C (90F). Normally the city reaches 30C only nine times over the course of the entire year. The long strech of 30C weather pushed the monthly mean temperature to 20.1C (68.2F), above the long-term average of 18.6C (67.3F).

Strong storms bring relief from heatwave - produce power outages

Lightning illuminates the night sky over Ile Perrot. Strong thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening brought an end to our record-breaking heatwave. (ValleyWeather Photo)

Our remarkable seven day heatwave is over in Montreal. We manged six consecutive days of temperatures over 32C (90F) at Trudeau Airport. This was an extremely rare event for the city, and a first for the month of June. The heatwave ended Tuesday evening as strong thunderstorms developed well in advance of a cold front. Before that however, we managed to set yet another record high, the third in a week. The mercury soared to 33.1C (91.5F) by 1pm, surpassing the old record of 32.7C (91F) set in 1989. On Monday, the high was 34.8C (95F), also a record, the previous was 32.2C (90F) set in 1957. That mark of 34.8C was just two tenths of a degree below the all-time June record of 35C (95F) set in 1964. Montreal averages 9 days a year of temperatures in excess of 30C (86F), Tuesday was our 12th day already in 2020.

STRONG STORMS
The end of the heatwave did not come quietly, as strong thunderstorms swept across the city from south to north. The first batch affected areas off-island to the west around 1pm, with heavy rain and strong winds. The second pulse of storms was much stronger, sweeping across the Monteregie, Island of Montreal, Laval and the North Shore, knocking out power to over 70,000 Hydro-Quebec customers, and uprooting several trees. A wind gust to 96 km/h (59 mph) was recorded at Trudeau Airport at 6:50pm. The number of outages in the province is down to 229 Wednesday morning, affecting 21,000 customers.

Much need rainfall accompanied the storms, with 26.7mm falling here on Ile Perrot. Less fell at Trudeau Airport, with 13.6mm recorded. While the rainfall was greatly appreciated, conditions remain very dry in many parts of the province. At this time, numerous water restrictions remain in effect, check with your municipality for exact details. The normal rainfall for May is 81.2mm and June 87mm. To date we have only received 27.8mm at Trudeau Airport for June. May was dry as well, with only 34.2mm of rain falling along with a trace of snow.

Cooler, windy weather is expected for Wednesday, with a high of 25C (77F) and gusty southwest winds to 50km/h. Enjoy the relief over the next few days, hot and humid weather is expected to return by early next week, with perhaps another significant heatwave on tap to start July.

Quebec heatwave to persist through Tuesday

The first day of summer in Montreal was a hot one. Trudeau Airport reached a record breaking 33.4C (92F) as the heatwave stretched into a 4th day. No relief is in sight until Wednesday at the earliest.

Some of the warmest temperatures in North America are occurring right here across southern and eastern Quebec into New Brunswick. Over three dozen record highs occurred on Friday, followed by more record heat on Saturday. Montreal reached 33.9C (93F) Saturday afternoon, surpassing the previous high of 32.7C set in 2012. It was the fifth 32C (90F) day already this year and the fourth day of our current heatwave. The previous highs in Montreal have fallen just below the records, reaching 33.5C (92F) Thursday, and 32.9C (91F) Friday. That makes this an official heatwave, the first of the summer. Arguably, many locations had a heatwave back in late May, but Montreal fell short by one tenth of a degree!

The hot weather is expected to continue through at least Tuesday as strong high pressure remains anchored over the region. The air mass has become increasingly humid and stale to say the least, and a smog warning has been added to the heat advisory already in effect. Forest fire smoke is adding to the poor air quality. We need a soaking rain to scrub the atmosphere and save our lawns. A watering ban remains in effect in many southern Quebec municipalities, including here on Ile Perrot. Sadly many of my neigbours have lush green lawns and are ignoring the ban.

WATERING BAN
Any rain that has occurred has been spotty at best. A few scattered showers and thunderstorms developed over the Adirondacks on Friday and Saturday, drifting into extreme southern Quebec. The same is expected today and Monday, with perhaps a cell or two reaching metro Montreal. The real threat for widespread thunderstorms, some strong, will occur by Wednesday afternoon, as a cold front brings some relief from the heat. Until then, expect daytime highs in the low 30s and overnight lows in the low 20s. Humidex values will reach nearly 40C (104F) during the daylight hours.

SUMMER SOLSTICE
Spring came to an end on Saturday, with the summer solstice occurring at 5:43PM EDT. The spring season in Montreal and across many parts of North America was bizarre to say the least as winter and summer waged an epic battle. Montreal's spring featured record heat, record cold, severe thunderstorms, windstorms, May snow, widespread drought conditions and early forest fires all wrapped into three months. I can't wait to see what summer 2020 brings.

Heatwave to persist into early next week

Hot weather predicted for the balance of the week, may challenge some southern Quebec temperature records. The heatwave is forecast to persist through the weekend. The forecast high in Montreal of 34C (94F) on Thursday would break the record of 33.9C set in 1994. (AccuWeather.com)

Strong high pressure anchored over southern Quebec, will provide the entire region with a prolonged stretch of very warm and increasingly humid weather. An upper level low is spinning off the Carolina coast, forcing the high pressure to remain nearly stationary over the region. This is a similar set up to earlier late May when Montreal reached 36.6C (98F).

At the moment, we are forecasting daytime highs in excess of 30C from Wednesday through at least Sunday. As the upper level low begins to lift northward along the eastern seaboard, the St. Lawrence Valley will begin to see increasing dewpoints and humidity. The weather will become oppressive by Friday into the upcoming weekend. There is a risk of isolated showers and thunderstorms both Saturday and Sunday, but they will be widely scattered at best.

Conditions remain very dry across many parts of southern Quebec. SOPFEU is fighting a large forest fire in the Saquenay region that remains out of control, having burned over 3400 hectares.

Conditions remain very dry across souther Quebec. According to SOPFEU, the Montreal region is under extreme fire conditions. After only receiving one third the normal rainfall in May, the city has recorded just 14.2mm in June to date. The normal for the month is 87mm. The dry, hot conditions have increased the fire danger across Quebec. Fire bans are being issued once again for several regions of the province, and outdoor burning of any kind is strongly discouraged. Several municipalities including mine here in Notre-Dame-de-L'Ile Perrot, are banning any outdoor water use until further notice. This includes watering the lawn, washing your car and filling pools.

No appreciable rain is in the forecast at this time until perhaps early next week. The rounds of thunderstorms that occurred last week, largely missed the metro Montreal region.

The second warmest day on record for Montreal: 36.6C

A spectacular sunrise taken along the St. Lawrence River in Verdun on what would be the second hottest day in the history of Montreal. The temperature registered 36.6C at Trudeau Airport. It was even warmer, reaching 38C (100F) in other parts of the city. Daily weather recording dates back to 1880 in Montreal. Photo Debbie Ludgate-Biffin

Searing heat surged into southern Quebec on Wednesday, producing the warmest May day on record for the city and falling just shy of the all-time record high. The official high at Trudeau Airport was 36.6C (97.8F), crushing the previous daily high of 31.7C (89F) set in 2016 and the monthly May record of 34.7 (94.5F), set in 2010. The warmest day ever in Montreal occurred during the historic heatwave of 1975, with a temperature of 37.6C (99.6F) on August 1st.

The city of Montreal has opened some play fountains in select parks as well as cooling centres at several locations. A map of the locations can be found on the City of Montreal website HERE.

There were several parts of metro Montreal, including Beaconsfield, western Laval, the downtown core and Ile Perrot that hit the 100F mark, (38C). This was a truly remarkable weather event given the cold spring southern Quebec has experienced. The weather remains dry as well, with just a few scattered thunderstorms occurring in the Montreal region, mostly south of the city and across the Laurentians.  As the month draws to a close, we remain well below normal in the rain department, with just 26.4mm falling. An outdoor burn ban remains in effect and should be strictly followed until we receive some rainfall.

Montreal can expect another hot day Thursday, with a forecast high of 31C (88F). The record for today's date is 31C established in 1911 and again in 1978, so we have a legitimate shot at it.

A few showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight as the remains of Tropical Storm Bertha move into the Ohio Valley. I think most of the precipitation will remain west of Montreal. A better chance for showers and storms will be Friday afternoon as a cold front crosses southern Quebec. Some of the storms will be strong, with gusty winds, small hail and torrential downpours. The weather will remain hot and muggy Friday, with a daytime high of 29C (85F).

On Saturday, much colder air will filter into the region on gusty northwest winds. The weather will be cloudy and showery, with a high of only 18C (65F).

Hot and humid week ahead for Montreal with thunderstorms

The first heatwave of the season will see temperatures rise into the lower 30s in Montreal this week, with humidex values near 40C. Cooler weather and thunderstorms arrive by Friday.

Heat Warning in effect for southern Quebec and eastern Ontario

A very warm and humid airmass will surge into southern Quebec Tuesday, setting the stage for the first heatwave of 2020. A heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with the temperature at 30C or higher. The forecast high for Tuesday is 32C (90F), Wednesday 34C (94F) and Thursday, 31C (88F). The heat combined with high humidity levels will produce humidex readings close to 40C. Drink plenty of fluids, wear sunscreen and seek out cooler locations, especially during the afternoon hours.

While Tuesday's record maximum temperature of 34.7C set in 2010 seems out of reach for Montreal, we have a shot both Wednesday, (30.4C set in 1978), and Thursday (31C also set in 1978).

There is a chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms each of the three next days during the late afternoon and evening hours. A better chance for thunderstorms and heavy downpours is expected by Friday as a cold front arrives. The weekend is expected to be sunny and cooler with lower humidity.

It certainly has been a bizarre weather month across southern Quebec. We will likely end the month in Montreal, with both record highs and lows, widespread frost on multiple consecutive nights, snowfall and our first heatwave. All this weather against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic is just bizarre.

OUTDOOR BURN BAN CONTINUES
A reminder, the hot weather is not helping the fire situation at all in Quebec. There are currently 14 active forest fires in the province, with 333 fires reported so far this year according to SOPFEU. The 10 year average to date should be 162 fires. Conditions remain dangerously dry, and a burn ban remains in effect for all of southern Quebec. Despite the ban, I noticed several residents in my neighbourhood having open fires in their backyards this past weekend. Fires can spread very quickly at this time, with little in the way of rainfall observed over the last 10 days. Do your part and avoid outdoor burning all together, and watch those cigarettes. Stay cool and stay safe!

Long stretch of near-perfect Spring weather ahead for Montreal

Montreal and southern Quebec are finally enjoying some much needed Spring weather.

As the Quebec government begins to loosen some of the Covid-19 restrictions for parks, golf courses and marinas, the weather has finally decided to come along for the ride. We certainly deserve the beautiful late spring weather that is expected this week for southern Quebec. Strong high pressure anchored over eastern Canada will produce a long stretch of near-perfect weather. The daytime hours will feature abundant sunshine, light winds and warm temperatures, into the middle to upper 20s (75 to 80F). Nights will be clear and seasonably chilly, with lows between 9C and 13C (48-55F).

This stretch of calm weather will persist well into the upcoming weekend, with the the next chance for any precipitation in Montreal not likely until Tuesday at the earliest. The last precipitation in Montreal occurred last Friday when 20mm of rain fell. Overall the month has been drier than normal, with only 26mm of rainfall and a trace of snow measured at Trudeau Airport. The average rainfall for May is 81.2mm.

In stark contrast to the dreary start to May, the next week or so is expected to be sunny and very summer-like in Montreal. That was not the case when the photo above was taken on the morning of Friday, May 8. It shows the large and very dirty snow dump in Ville Saint-Laurent, under a dusting of unseasonable snowfall. (ValleyWeather Photo)

While southern Quebec and Ontario are benefiting from the strong high pressure, other regions have not been so lucky. A potent upper level low pressure system has been forced southward in response to the high pressure, creating a prolonged period of rain and gusty winds across the middle Atlantic states. Several states have reported heavy rain, thunderstorms and flash flooding. Strong winds in many coastal regions have exceeded 70km/h prompting high surf advisories. The weather has been colder in portions of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland than here in Montreal.

Tropical Storm Arthur
Over the weekend, the first tropical system of the Atlantic Hurricane season formed east of Florida. Tropical Storm Arthur moved northeast clipping the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Arthur was about 30km east of Cape Hatteras on his closest approach to the US mainland midday Monday. Coastal North Carolina reported gusty winds and heavy surf, but little damage. Arthur has since lost its tropical characteristics well northeast of Bermuda. Arthur was an early storm, as the Atlantic Hurricane season only begins June 1st.

Historic cold snap slowly coming to an end

The seasons were in turmoil this past weekend across parts of Canada. Historic cold and snow occurred from Ontario into Atlantic Canada, with record warmth surging into portions of B.C.

If you thought it was stupid cold for May in Montreal, you would be right. The current cold snap is breaking records dating back over 100 years. Montreal has had a week of brutally cold weather for early May. Over the last week we have tied or broke low temperature records dating back to the turn of the last century. On Tuesday morning, the overnight low of -0.1C (31.8F) in Montreal broke the record of 0.8C set in 2005, and was the coldest low for the date since 1902. On Saturday morning, the low reached 0.0C (32F), matching a 113 year old record for the coldest May 9th, established in 1907. Montreal has been under a frost advisory since last Thursday morning, and it remains in effect through Wednesday morning, with forecast lows expected below freezing at -1C (30F).

The daytime hours have been no better, with limited sunshine and gusty northwest winds. Highs have struggled to say the least, remaining in the single digits, well below the normal of 19C (66F). We also had flurries on both Friday and Saturday. Winds speeds in the 30 to 50km/h range have produced windchills well below freezing.

The May snowstorm caught many motorists by surprise over the weekend. Between 15 and 30cm of snow fell across far eastern Quebec, New Brunswick (shown above) and northern New England. (Photo @VictoriaStar)

We have not been alone in this historic cold snap. Most of eastern North America has been shivering, with widespread records established. A strong storm produced heavy wet snow across New England this past weekend. The same system dumped over 30cm on sections of New Brunswick, including Woodstock where 33cm fell. In Toronto snow fell on four consecutive days, including 2.8cm Monday, bringing the monthly May total to 3.2cm. By contrast only 6.6cm fell in March and 0.4cm in April. Across Ontario, 17 new record lows occurred Monday, including -2.7C at Welland, breaking a 135 year old record of -2.2C set in 1885.

Manitoba had 14 record lows and Saskatchewan 9. Other provinces are still tallying up the new records. Meanwhile in stark contrast, temperatures were in the middle 20s to low 30s across interior B.C. where 18 record highs occurred on Sunday.

There is relief in sight for eastern Canada. After a couple of more cold mornings, temperatures will begin to moderate into the weekend. Montreal can expect temperatures approaching highs of 20C (68F) by Saturday. As we look ahead to the end of May, a swing in our fortunes is on the horizon. Several weather models are indicating above normal temperatures for southern Quebec heading from late May into June. Time will tell.

Record breaking cold to surge into southern Quebec

A little hope in the storm: an absolutely spectacular rainbow taken by a member of the Quebec Vortex team and posted on their Facebook page. The photo was taken after thunderstorms Sunday afternoon, near Varennes, Quebec. (Quebec Vortex)

Frost Advisory in effect for southern Quebec

Spring has been rather cold across most of eastern Canada, with little change expected for our immediate future. This past Sunday was the warmest day of the year so far, with an official high of 20.9C (69F) at Trudeau Airport. The brief warmth came after a very cold April in the city. The average temperature for the month was 5.1C well below the normal of 6.4C. Accompanying the cold has been plenty of cloud cover and gusty winds.

The sunny, warm weekend came to an abrupt end late Sunday, as a strong cold front swept across the region. The front was accompanied by strong winds and some very intense thunderstorms, especially northeast of Montreal.

The warm weather quickly became a memory as temperatures dropped to a high of only 11C (52F) on Monday. More very cold weather is on the way, as a surge of arctic air is expected into the upcoming weekend. Skies should clear out Tuesday evening in Montreal, setting the stage for frost. A frost advisory is in effect, with lows forecast at or slightly below freezing. The reality is that we may have frost on each of the next several mornings, right into the upcoming weekend.

Adding to the miserable cold weather heading into the Mother's Day weekend, will be a deepening upper level low. The system will slide across the Great Lakes and into the region Friday and Saturday. Expect plenty of cloud cover, gusty winds and near-record cold temperatures. There is even the risk of some light snow or flurries late Friday night into early Saturday morning.

Snow is May is unusual for Montreal, but not out of the question. Looking back briefly, snow fell in May as recently as 2017, with a trace measured. The biggest May snowstorm on record for Montreal occurred on 9th of the month in 1963, when 21.8cm fell.

As far as temperatures are concerned, the coldest May reading for Montreal was -4.4C (24F), set on May 2 in 1974. We have an outside shot at beating that record this upcoming weekend.