Frigid weekend － possible snowstorm Tuesday

Extreme cold warnings stretch from Manitoba to Labrador (red shading). Those warnings may be extended to southern Ontario and Quebec later today. Snow squall warnings are in effect around the southern Great Lakes.

A frigid polar air mass will engulf eastern Canada and the US over the upcoming weekend. Temperatures will drop into the -20s tonight and not recover much on Saturday. Combined with the cold will be strong northwest winds up to 50km/h in Montreal. Wind-chill values will drop to the low -30s across the region. Extreme cold warnings are in place across a huge area of eastern and central Canada from Manitoba to Labrador. Wind-chill warnings are in effect for most of the northeast US, as well as New England and the Ohio Valley. The extreme cold will be preceded by an arctic cold front today that will produce snow squalls along its path from late today into the overnight hours. A quick 5cm of snow may fall later this evening in Montreal. More snow is forecast along the north shore of Lake Ontario. If your travels take you down Highway 401, expect heavy snow west of Kingston.

Winds will lessen on Sunday, but it will remain cold with early morning lows of -25C (-13F) in Montreal, much colder away from the city. Sunday will be sunny but cold, with a high temperature no better than -15C (5F).

Potential Snowstorm
Looking ahead to next week, temperatures will moderate to near-normal, but there is a chance of snow by Tuesday. Low pressure is forecast to deepen and move from the mid-Mississippi Valley to New England by Wednesday. Depending on the exact track, Montreal may receive in excess of 15cm of snow. Computer forecast models have presented different scenarios ranging from a total miss to rain and temperatures above freezing. I will attempt to fine-tune the forecast over the weekend with updates daily.

Bitter cold in Montreal and Ottawa through Sunday

Bitter cold air will invade southern Quebec this weekend. Temperatures Saturday and Sunday morning could be as low as -30C.

The temperature is -40C this morning at Eureka, Nunavut, the coldest reading in Canada. In Quebec, it is -35C at La Grande Riviere. That arctic air is heading straight south across the Great Lakes and into southern Quebec, Ontario and the eastern US by Friday. Temperatures this weekend will be the coldest of the winter. We are getting a taste of that cold air this morning. The current temperature is -13C (9F) with persistent light snow that has been around all week in Montreal. Amounts will be light once again today with perhaps a centimetre or two at best. The temperature will not move at all, remaining cold all day with a gusty west wind. On Friday, a clipper-type low-pressure system and arctic front will cross the St. Lawrence Valley late in the day, with some rather robust snow squalls and strong winds. Behind that front, frigid air will pour into the area. Overnight lows by Saturday morning will range from -22 (-8F) to as cold as -30C (-20F) in southern Quebec. Add a light breeze to that and windchill readings could be in the minus 30's. The cold air will remain on Saturday with daytime highs near -19C (-2F) in Montreal.

Sunday will be a little less cold as winds lessen and some sunshine returns. The high temperature will be near -16C (5F). After the mild winter we have had, these temperatures will be bitter and downright dangerous. Prepare to dress warmly and keep your pets indoors, my Bella, apparently needs blankets as well. Looking ahead to next week, we can expect a moderation in temperatures along with a chance for precipitation by Tuesday. Some computer models are hinting at a rather potent storm Tuesday for southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. I will post more on that Friday.

Montreal between storms － frigid by next weekend

NOAA image of the large winter storm off the east coast. The swirl and eye-like cloud structure resemble that of a hurricane.

As has been the case most of this winter, Montreal will remain spectators as another large winter storm moves up the east coast. The system, resembling a hurricane on satellite images this morning, will pass off the coast of New England later today. On Sunday, the storm brought heavy rain and widespread coastal flooding to North Carolina. Today, southern New England, especially Massachusetts, will take the brunt of the storm with blizzard conditions and 100km/h (60 mph) winds. In addition to the heavy snow, waves of over 5 feet and a storm surge will impact coastal areas as far north as Nova Scotia. A blizzard warning has been issued for Nova Scotia where 30cm of snow is forecast, along with winds up to 90km/h (55 mph).

Southern Quebec will remain on the far western edge of the system today, with partly sunny skies and cold northeast winds up to 50km/h. Temperatures will be colder than they have been in some time, with a high of -7C (19F). We will see windchill values in the minus teens. Tonight, a second area of low pressure developing over the Great Lakes will spread an area of light snow into Montreal that will persist into Tuesday. We are expecting less than 5cm total accumulation with perhaps a little blowing snow at times. Temperatures will be cold, with a low of -10C (14F) and a high Tuesday near -5C (21F). By the weekend, the coldest air this winter will pour into southern Quebec with overnight lows in the -20's and daytime highs in the minus teens.

From snow and ice to a record high for Montreal

Wednesday started off icy and snowy on L'Ile Perrot, and across most of eastern Ontario and southern Quebec, but ended with a record high of 8C. (ValleyWeather)

Within a 24-hour period, Montreal managed 15-20mm of frozen precipitation, ranging from snow to freezing rain and sleet, followed by a record high reached late Wednesday evening. The freezing rain created a very slow and slippery commute in Montreal with numerous accidents reported, including one that closed Highway 20 at St. Charles on the West Island. The high temperature at Trudeau Airport occurred near midnight, 8.2C (48F), eclipsing the 1991 record of 6.2C. The warmth was part of a large storm system that spread north across the central US plains and into western Quebec. The winter storm produced heavy rain and snow along its path, with near-blizzard conditions reported from Minnesota to Colorado. Meanwhile, on the warm side of the system, severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes were reported across Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

It was not just Montreal benefiting from the warmth yesterday, Burlington, Vermont established a new record high of 54F for February 3rd and 4th, the fifth record high this winter. Toronto soared to 16C (60F), smashing the previous record of 9.3C (49F) set in 1991. Ottawa reached 7.9C (46F), beating the previous high of 6.5C set in 1991. Most locations in eastern Ontario and western Quebec that tied or set new temperature records did so after dark last evening, making it an even stranger weather event.

A cold front will arrive today, resulting in temperatures falling well below freezing tonight and into the weekend. Along with the colder temperatures, there will be several opportunities for snow, the first, Saturday evening. None of the storms at this time look significant, but we are watching an east coast system for the middle of next week to see just how close it comes to southern Quebec.

Early Spring - Happy Groundhog Day!

7AM UPDATE: Shubenacadie Sam did not see his shadow this morning in Nova Scotia and is predicting an early Spring.

If Candlemas be fair and bright, 
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, 
Winter will not come again

Tuesday, February 2nd is Groundhog Day across North America, the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. I love the day because, at the very least, it brings everyone into my weather circle for just a few moments. Groundhog Day can trace its humble beginning to Germany in the 1700s and the Festival of Candlemas.  The superstition stated that if the weather was sunny on Candlemas, February 2nd, one could expect six more weeks of winter; if cloudy, an early spring would occur.

The origins of the day in North America date as far back as 1887. In Pennsylvania, German settlers thought that if the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, an animal would cast a shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. The Germans watched a badger for the shadow, however in Pennsylvania, the groundhog was selected as the replacement.

Nowadays, we have numerous groundhogs across North America who claim weather supremacy. Wiarton Willie in Ontario, Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia and Punxsawtawney Phil in Pennsylvania remain the most popular. As we wait for this year`s predictions, think about the quote on Phil's accuracy via Inner Circle VP and handler Mike Johnston, "He is not burdened with the necessity to be site-specific. So Phil's predictions are unquestionably accurate.” Well, in reality, according to Stormfax.com, Phil has an accuracy rating of 39% over the years and has seen his shadow 87% of the time. I have never thought of the day as holding any scientific accuracy, but I love the fanfare just the same.  In any event, shadow or now shadow, as Canadians, either way would be a bonus for us here in Montreal. If winter ended in six weeks, that would be about four weeks ahead of normal! Canadians are all too familiar with how harsh the weather can be at the end of March and start of April. 

For a more informed and scientific opinion I turn to the monthly Environment Canada media bulletin for January 2016, and meteorologist Andre Cantin who stated, “Will we have an early spring? It is early to say categorically, but the probabilities are in our favour because, in the past, most winters influenced by El Niño have ended earlier than average. However, Mother Nature can always surprise us with major spring storms. Do not put your shovels away too soon!!” 

Warm & wet start to February

Mild air and rain will return once again by Wednesday in Montreal.

After a rainy and very mild Sunday, record high temperatures have already been established this morning in Toronto, 10.4C (51F) and Burlington, Vermont at 11C (52F). Close to home, St Anicet reached 11.1C (52F) in the pre-dawn hours, shattering their record of 5.5C from 2002. We managed 9.4C (49F) here on L'Ile Perrot and 8C (48F) at Trudeau, just a notch below the record high of 10.3C set in 1988. The normal high should be -5C (23F). We have likely reached the daytime highs for the day, as a cold front is about to move into eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. Gusty winds up to 60km/h are possible up to the noon hour today in the St. Lawrence Valley, along with falling temperatures back to the freezing point by later this afternoon. Some showers are possible, but it will be dry for most of the day.

Tonight will be partly cloudy and much colder as high pressure briefly nudges into the area. Temperatures will drop to -9C (16F), so Tuesday morning will feel very different from this morning. Tuesday is also Groundhog Day, when furry rodents all over North America take over the forecasting duties. More on that later today.  After a sunny day on Tuesday with a high of -3C (27F), our attention will turn to a developing storm over the US Rockies. This strengthening system will move towards the Great Lakes and eventually western Quebec. Another surge of moisture and mild air will arrive late Tuesday night and early Wednesday. At this time, we are expecting a snow and rain mix to transition to all rain by Wednesday as temperatures rise well above freezing. The timing and any possible problems with freezing rain still have to be ironed out. I will post an update on this storm later today. By the end of the week, much colder air will return with a few flurries.

Very mild weekend in store for Montreal

A weak Alberta Clipper is giving a wide area of very light snow to southern Quebec today. Despite light snow most of the week, under 5cm has fallen in Montreal and none officially remains on the ground at Trudeau Airport as of this morning.

A series of weak low-pressure areas skirting the international border has left a few centimetres of snow across southern Quebec this week. Typically, any low pressure that comes across the Prairies is moisture-starved and drops very little snow in Montreal. We have another today that may put down 2 or 3cm of snow with a mild high of 0C (32F), and yet one more clipper low on Saturday. On Sunday, a stronger storm system will lift north of the Great Lakes, well west of Montreal, putting southern Quebec into a warm air mass. Temperatures will rise well above freezing both Sunday and Monday, up to 6C (43F) with rain expected. Strong winds will also accompany this system. After a break Tuesday, another even stronger storm will move out of the US Rockies and across the upper Midwest. It should remain well west of Montreal, giving us another round of very mild temperatures with mixed precipitation turning to rain by Wednesday morning. Strong winds in excess of 70km/h will also accompany this system.

Briefly looking beyond next week, expect much colder air to return, with a chance of a big snowstorm by the period of February 10th to 14th. There is still plenty of time and finessing of the computer models, but it looks like something significant may impact southern Quebec.

Unsettled but mild week ahead

A poorly-timed period of steady snow slowed the morning commute in Montreal.

Traffic was slow again this morning in Montreal as a poorly-timed area of wet snow and mixed precipitation crossed the city. Snow-covered, icy roads and low visibility occurred just in time for the morning rush hour. The culprit is an area of low pressure lifting into central Quebec today. Mild air is accompanying the system, so expect any precipitation to change to light rain today. Temperatures will rise to a very mild 4C (39F). Some Ontario locations have set record highs already for today's date, but Montreal's is safe for now (13.3C set in 1950).

A rather windy cold front will cross the city tonight by midnight, with dropping temperatures down to -4C (25F) and gusty winds up to 70km/h. Any precipitation will change back to light snow with perhaps a repeat of today's commute tomorrow morning. The balance of the week will remain unsettled but mild with periods of wet snow or mixed precipitation. No one system will be strong, but the weather will be very changeable with perhaps 5-10cm of snow by week's end. Looking ahead, I expect much colder weather to return for the second week of February, along with the chance of a storm on or around the 10th of the month. This is all preliminary and subject to change in this crazy El Nino driven winter, but computer models are suggesting something may develop.

Historic snowstorm breaks 100 year old records on east coast

No traffic was permitted in New York City Saturday night after two feet of snow fell in one day. (NYPD Photo)

What more can be said about the snowstorm along the east coast of the US on Saturday, epic, historic, amazing. The storm dumped more snow in 24 hours than most locations see in a year. Some regions in western Maryland and Northern Virginia approached 40 inches or 100cm for a single storm. By comparison, Montreal has has about 75cm (30 inches) of snow for the entire season. Some notables were Central Park, New York with 26.8" (their seasonal normal is 25.8"), Allentown, Pennsylvania at 31.9", JFK in New York City at 30.5", their biggest one day snowfall ever. Also, Washington, Dulles measured 29.3", Baltimore 29.2" and Philadelphia 20". Further north the drop off was quick with Boston recording only 4 to 6 inches and Albany, NY nothing. Some snow also fell along the south coast of Nova Scotia overnight with around 5-10cm (2-4 inches). Winds with this storm were fierce gusting between 50-75mph in many cities.

Along with the heavy snow came severe coastal flooding, especially in New Jersey and Delaware. North Wildwood, New Jersey had a higher storm surge than recorded during superstorm Sandy. Massive flooding was reported up and down the Jersey Shore. The storm brought traffic to a standstill on the ground and in the air. At one point on Saturday, a traffic ban was in effect in New York City, Baltimore and Washington D.C. Highways were closed, train and bus service stopped, and thousands of flights cancelled or delayed including 50 at Trudeau Airport in Montreal. It will take days for the clean up and for travel to return to normal. Further south freezing rain and ice buildup across the Carolina's caused massive power outages. Power outages totaled over 250,000 along the storms path. Hydro Quebec has sent at least 200 employees south to help with the power restoration.

Snowstorm pounds east coast

Cleaning up in front of the US Capitol building on Friday. (AP Photo)

A crazy El Nino driven snowstorm is pounding the eastern seaboard of the US from North Carolina to southern New England this morning. Heavy snow has fallen in places not accustomed to it including Nashville and Charlotte. Over 35cm (14 inches) has been reported in Washington DC since the storm started late Friday. The weather has resulted in major airports closing and thousands of flights cancelled. Travel on the ground has been terrible with hundreds of accidents reported and several highways closed completely. A state of emergency has been declared from New Jersey to Virginia. Overnight thunder and lightning were observed with the snow across Maryland.

Crews try to stay ahead of the heavy snow in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday. (weather.com)

This morning the large weather system is located off the Delaware coast moving northeast. Winds have been reported up to 75mph in coastal regions of Virginia and Maryland along with flooding from the Atlantic Ocean. Coastal flooding will affect Delaware, New Jersey and Long Island today moving into coastal Massachusetts later. Hundreds of thousands have lost power. The snow will continue most of the day while spreading northward into southern New England. New York City is forecasting 30 to 45cm (12 to 18 inches) of snow today. Arctic high pressure will keep the storm well south of Montreal with just some high cloudiness and a northeast wind today. The storm will impact extreme southern Nova Scotia on Sunday with 80km/h winds and up to 10cm of snow.

Powerful east coast snowstorm will miss Quebec

Forecast snow accumulations for the upcoming winter storm that is expected to impact the Middle Atlantic and portions of the Northeast US. (AccuWeather)

A powerful winter storm is taking shape over the southern US this afternoon. Computer models have been consistent from the start in keeping this system well south of Montreal, and that has not changed. The storm is forecast to rapidly intensify as it moves off the coast of the Carolina's late Friday. Heavy snow is forecast to fall in a swath from Kentucky and Virginia into Maryland, New Jersey and New York City. On the extreme northern edge of the storm, some snow may fall in coastal southern New England, Boston and Albany.

Forecasters are predicting this system to be historic in places with over 2 feet of snow forecast in Washington D.C. Blizzard warnings are in effect for Delaware and Maryland. Travel may become impossible in the I-95 corridor. High winds are going to impact all regions, but especially coastal areas where winds may gust over 100km/h (60 mph). Coastal flooding is expected from North Carolina to New England and even into southern Nova Scotia. The full wolf moon this weekend will only add to wave heights along the east coast. The storm is forecast to move out to sea on Sunday well south of Atlantic Canada.

Potential east coast storm to remain south of Montreal

It was another cold and windy morning in Montreal on Tuesday. Winds should ease and skies clear out for the balance of the week. (ValleyWeather)

 Tuesday was another cold and blustery day across southern Quebec, but with less snow than Monday. The snow on Monday measured between 8-15cm across the region. Strong winds produced widespread blowing snow that made the morning rush hour a mess in Montreal. The snow also made travel off island dangerous at times with numerous accidents reported. A major collision along Highway 20 near St Hyacinthe involving several trucks and cars, resulted in the death of a woman in her 50's. Along with the wind and snow, there has been biting cold, some of the coldest temperatures this winter. Windchill readings this morning were close to -30C (-22F) in Montreal.

Traffic was slow once again on Tuesday across southern Quebec, but nothing like the two hour commute on Monday. (ValleyWeather)

Now for the good news. Forecasters are following a potential developing winter storm south of the border. The system, affecting the west coast today, is forecast to move across the deep south and then intensify along the North Carolina coast. At this time heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding are a possibility from North Carolina to southern Maine. It looks like the system will remain well to our south as high pressure controls the weather in southern Quebec. Expect clearing skies this evening with temperatures around -15C (5F). Wednesday through the upcoming weekend looks dry and sunny at this time with temperatures at or slightly below the normal daytime high of -6C (21F) and low of -15C (5F). The east coast storm will likely be big news as the weekend approaches with 30-60cm (1-2 feet) of snow quite possible from Washington to Boston. Keep this in mind if your travels take you into the US Northeast.

Cold week ahead for Montreal

The coldest air of the winter will sweep across Ontario and Quebec this week. (AccuWeather)

When we look back at the winter of 2015-2016, or what little there was of it, this may likely turn out to be the coldest week of the season for Montreal. A strong cold front has crossed southern Quebec early this morning with a decent shot of snow. Light snow is still falling in southern Quebec, and I expect most areas will see 5-10cm of the fluffy variety before it ends later today.

Winds will increase this morning out of the northwest up to 50km/h. Blowing snow will be a problem on the open highway, especially once you leave the city limits. Temperatures are about as warm as they are going to be today, around -9C (16F) currently. Combined with the winds today, windchill readings will be below -20C (-4F). The cold will continue into Tuesday with morning lows close to -18C (0F) and daytime highs no better than -10C (14F). Compared to last winter this seems warm, but not this year. Most of us are not accustomed to a week of -10C degree highs. Stay warm! Sunshine returns by late Wednesday but it will remain chilly most of the week.

Rare January Tropical Storm

Subtropical Storm Alex south of the Azores this morning. (NHC)

A very rare event has taken place in the Atlantic Ocean, a tropical system in January. For the first time since 1978, we have a named tropical system, Alex. The storm is actually subtropical, not exhibiting a warmer core like it would in August or September, but the system is still potent. This morning, Alex is located 560 miles south southwest of the Azores. The storm has intensified overnight and now has 70 mph winds. Alex is moving north northeast at 18 mph and should approach the Azore Islands later tonight and Friday. Heavy rain and storm-force winds are likely before the storm races off towards Greenland and loses any tropical characteristics. The formation of such a storm in January shows us just how much El Nino has affected the weather patterns.

Montreal Weather
After a little light snow today and a chilly high of -10C (14F), we can expect a quiet day Friday before temperatures warm up for the first half of the weekend. Weak low pressure will approach southern Quebec this weekend with perhaps a period of light snow or mixed precipitation Saturday. I don't expect a big storm, perhaps 5cm, but like this past Tuesday, the system will be weakening as it approaches Montreal, so amounts may be less. We are also watching a coastal storm developing near North Carolina, but it appears this storm will remain well offshore and not affect southern Quebec. Temperatures will warm up Friday and Saturday, perhaps reaching 0C (32F), before cooling off Sunday and the early part of next week.

A New Hampshire State Police officer was injured on Tuesday after a Canadian trucker failed to slow down or move over striking his patrol car on Interstate 89. (New Hampshire State Police Photo)

During the snow and squalls on Tuesday, numerous accidents were reported across Ontario and Quebec, as well as the northeast US. One accident on Interstate 89 near Warner, New Hampshire involved a truck and a New Hampshire State Police car. The truck, from Canada, failed to slow down or move over striking the car and injuring the officer. The truck then fled the scene. The vehicle is described as a semi with a dark cab and white box-type trailer, with Canadian plates. They did not say which province. Anybody with information is asked to call the New Hampshire State Police at 603-271-3636.

Up to 10cm of snow forecast for Montreal and Ottawa

Snow will advance into southern Quebec today. (AccuWeather)

This is just a brief update on the clipper system about to affect southern Ontario and Quebec. Light snow is advancing this morning across Ontario and will arrive in Ottawa by 10am and Montreal by the noon hour. This is not a big storm, clipper systems originate from the Prairies, so they are usually starved of moisture. The Great Lakes gives them a little kick, but in this case the system is weakening. It will morph into a big storm for the Atlantic provinces once it reaches the coast later tonight and strengthens rapidly.

Montreal can expect light snow through the afternoon and into the overnight with 5 to 10cm possible. Gusty winds, up to 40km/h, will likely cause some blowing snow, especially outside of the city. The snow will be enhanced a little as you head down the 401 towards Kingston. While there are no weather warnings on our side of the border, a winter weather advisory is in effect for the US side of the St. Lawrence River including Massena, New York. Keep this in mind if your travels take you onto the highway today. Temperatures will be cold with a high of -5C today dropping to -11C tonight.

Next Storm
We are watching a complicated forecast for this weekend that could include a significant snowfall for Montreal on Saturday. Twin low pressure ares will impact the region, but the exact track at this time is up in the air. Stay tuned!

Windstorm ushers in arctic air

Strong winds helped to topple the brick facade of two buildings in downtown Montreal late Sunday night. (CBC News)

  After a warm and wet weekend, Montreal awoke to a windy, much colder landscape this morning. A strong storm moved across the Great Lakes on Sunday pushing a cold front across the St. Lawrence Valley. Heavy rain over the weekend helped to melt some of the snow pack, with close to 20mm falling in Montreal. Powerful winds accompanied the front, gusting up to 100km/h in parts of eastern Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. The peak gust a Trudeau Airport in Montreal was 93km/h late last evening. The wind cut power to nearly 60,000 homes in Quebec and also toppled two brick walls in downtown Montreal. Power outages were also reported in Ontario and upstate New York.

It was not only metro Montreal, but a large portion of Quebec was affected by the strong winds. This tree was toppled in Arvida. (Radio Canada)

The cold front also brought a quick end to our warm weekend. The temperature fell from a near record plus 7C (45F) last evening to -7C (19F) in about 12 hours. A few flurries accompanied the colder air but luckily the wind dried most surfaces sparing us from a rapid freeze. It is winter weather for the foreseeable future with cold air and snow for the balance of the week. A clipper type low pressure area will sweep out of western Canada on Tuesday and cross the Great Lakes into the St. Lawrence Valley. After a cold overnight low of -14C (7F) in Montreal, snow will develop by noon and last into early Wednesday morning. At this time we are expecting 5-10cm locally in the region. Gusty winds will also accompany the snow, so expect some lower visibility starting tomorrow afternoon. Skies will clear out Thursday, but it will remain cold with a low of -18C (0F) and a high of -11C (12F).

Strong storm to bring back winter to southern Quebec

Another low pressure area and cold front will bring a reinforcing shot of cold air to southern Quebec late Tuesday with perhaps 5cm of snow. (AccuWeather)

HIGH WIND WARNING: Montreal and southern Quebec.

A strengthening low pressure area will move across the Ohio Valley and into the eastern Great Lakes today. East of the storm, mild air along with a surge of moisture will affect southern Quebec and Montreal. Steady rain will start shortly in southern Quebec and last most of the day. Heavy rain warnings have been posted for regions north and west of the city including Ottawa where 30-40mm may occur. Along with the rain will be strong southerly winds. These winds will shift to the southwest this evening in Montreal as a cold front associated with the storm sweeps across southern Quebec. The wind will increase to 60-90km/h with higher gusts likely in some locations. Environment Canada has issued a high wind warning for Montreal and the St. Lawrence Valley.

WINTER RETURNS
The temperature will be very mild today, reaching 8C (47F) by early this evening. However, behind the cold front, it will rapidly turn colder with a low of -5C (23F) expected by Monday morning in Montreal, colder elsewhere. The rain will change to snow overnight with a dusting in Montreal but perhaps a few centimetres across eastern Ontario. Any standing water will freeze making roads and sidewalks very icy. Monday will be blustery and much colder with snow showers and temperatures nearly steady or even falling. It will be much colder this week with lots of clouds and flurries and temperatures remaining well below freezing for Montreal.

Strong winds blowing across the Great Lakes will generate snow squalls this week. The squalls will affect western New York and portions of Ontario. In the most persistent bands of snow 30-60cm (1-2 feet) are possible. Keep this in mind if you are travelling Highway 401 or Interstate 81 and 90.

Windy & wet storm for southern Quebec

After a brief mild spell this weekend, more cold air will arrive for the middle portion of the month.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement regarding a storm for this coming weekend. It looks like mostly rain for Montreal.

After the coldest couple of mornings this season, mild air is set to make a return to southern Quebec. We have one more dry day Friday before twin low pressure areas begin to affect the region. The first system arrives late Friday night and into Saturday. A light mix of rain and snow with perhaps some freezing rain will occur with this system, but we are not expecting any significant amounts. Temperatures will be near the freezing point most of Friday and remain steady into Saturday morning before we climb above freezing, at least here in Montreal.

Late in the day Saturday, the second, much stronger storm will begin to move from the mid Mississippi Valley into the eastern Great Lakes. This system will be strengthening as it moves north with a wide area of steady precipitation accompanying the storm. Mild air will also surge into the St. Lawrence Valley, so we are looking at mainly a rain event with as much as 25mm expected. Snow is forecast, but well north of the Laurentians. There may also be some freezing rain north of the city. Winds with this storm could be strong, especially on Sunday. Behind the system temperatures will turn much colder for Monday with any leftover precipitation changing to flurries. Temperatures on Sunday could be as mild as 6C (43F) in Montreal, but dropping to -3C (27F) by Monday morning. Any leftover moisture would freeze rapidly Sunday night.

Coldest morning of the winter in Montreal

The next chance for snow and rain arrives in Ontario and Quebec late Friday and Saturday. This will not be a big storm, but may still affect road travel.

Temperatures this morning across Ontario and Quebec are the coldest they have been since last February. L'Ile Perrot dropped to -22C this morning while Trudeau Airport is at -21C. Ottawa and Cornwall recorded -24C, Mirabel -25C and Sherbrooke the coldest in the region at -28C. High pressure is in control of the weather for the balance of the week with much needed sunshine and moderating temperatures. The high today will be a chilly -12C but temperatures will remain steady tonight or slowly rise as southwest winds develop. The high on Wednesday will be a mild -2C.

Our next chance for significant weather will arrive by late Friday or Saturday as a developing storm moves into the Great Lakes. This will not be a big storm, but we can expect a period of snow and rain with perhaps some freezing rain in some areas. Precipitation amounts at this time will likely be in the 5 to 10cm range with perhaps a few millimetres of ice or rain. A second more significant storm is possible later in the weekend and to start next week, but medium range computer models are having a tough time with the forecast, and there are just two many scenarios to mention more than that at this time. Further into next week colder air will return to southern Quebec, with the chance of another storm by late next week.

Arctic air arrives Sunday

The coldest air of the season so far arrives in Montreal late Sunday.

Happy New Year, 2016 marks the 37th year I have been recording the weather in Montreal. It is also the 11th year I have been blogging. Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate each one of you taking the time to read and comment.

A strong cold front will cross southern Quebec on Sunday ushering in the coldest air of the season. Temperatures have been hovering around the freezing point since our snowstorm on Tuesday. That will change late Sunday as temperatures fall rapidly along with snow squalls. The front will arrive in Montreal by early afternoon with temperatures falling to -15C (5F) by Monday morning. On Monday skies will become partly sunny, but it will be cold with a high temperature around -13C (9F) in Montreal. Monday night will be the coldest night so far this winter with lows near -18C (0F) in the city but into the minus 20's across the Laurentians and Townships.

As the cold front arrives Sunday, it will be accompanied by a period of steady snow and gusty winds. Up to 5cm is possible along the front, with road and visibility conditions deteriorating quickly. Keep this in mind if you have travel plans. Many are returning home Sunday, as the holiday period draws to a close. Temperatures will slowly moderate next week through Friday with no precipitation forecast. January at this time looks like an active month with much colder weather and periods of snow forecast. This month will not be a repeat of December.