Two winter storms bypass Montreal region

While rain fell in the Montreal region, wet snow fell in many other parts of southern Quebec including the Richelieu Valley shown above. Further east across the Beauce and Quebec City regions, the snow was heavy, with up to 30cm reported. The snow cut power to over 125,000 Hydro-Quebec customers. (Photo T. Giotsalitis)

Southwestern Quebec continues to be bypassed by the early season snow that has affected many parts of Quebec and Ontario. On Sunday evening, low pressure moved across southeastern New England generating heavy wet snow across interior portions of the northeastern US, as well as southern and eastern Quebec. Between 15-30cm of wet snow fell east of the Richelieu Valley, across the Eastern Townships, Beauce, Chaudière-Appalaches and the Quebec City region. 

The heavy wet snow stuck to trees and power lines cutting power to over 125,000 Hydro-Quebec customers, with thousands more in the dark across Vermont and northern New Hampshire. Hydro-Quebec had 150 teams on the job Monday, and the number of clients without power is down to just over 3000 Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile it was the same old story in Montreal, just mild enough for rain, with a few snowflakes mixed in. Around 10mm of rain fell in Montreal. This trend that has been present for most of the fall, is expected to continue into the upcoming weekend. Temperatures have chilled Tuesday morning in Montreal. We are in for 24-36 hours of chilly, blustery conditions, with westerly winds of 30-50km/h, and temperatures remaining below freezing. Windchill values will be in the minus teens. There will also be the chance of a few snow showers at times in Montreal, but with very little accumulations expected in the city. The cold air will not last, with another system passing to our north and west Thursday, with mild temperatures and showers.

Colder air will try to move into Southern Quebec next week, with perhaps some snow, but milder air may win out again.

Lake Effect Snow

Back to the current system, as the cold air pours across the wide open Great Lakes, heavy lake effect snow has been falling off Lake Huron into Ontario, and Lakes Erie and Ontario into western New York. Travel was nearly impossible in several locations, with between 20-40cm of fresh falling in under 24 hours. The intense snow bands were accompanied by lightning and thunder at times, with snowfall rates of over 5cm per hour observed. The lake effect snow will persist today, off Georgian Bay into Ontario as well as across western New York, along the Interstate 81 and 90 corridors. 

The snow bands were so intense at times, driven by strong westerly winds, that they reached into the Ottawa Valley and National Capital region overnight.

Messy mix of precipitation expected for Montreal

Allow yourself extra time for the Wednesday morning commute across southern Québec. A messy mix of precipitation is forecast, starting this evening and tapering off late Wednesday. Between 5-10cm of snow, along with freezing rain and eventually rain is expected across the entire region.

Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for northern New York, New England and Eastern Ontario. They may be extended into southern Quebec later today.

Tuesday morning was one of the coldest so far this season, with low temperatures across the southwestern Quebec generally between -5C and -10C (14F-23F). The coldest reading I could find was across the Laurentians where several locations were in the middle minus teens.

Today will be sunny and cold, with increasing northeast winds and a high temperature near the freezing point in Montreal. Low pressure will move from the central plains into the Great Lakes on Wednesday, passing well north and west of the Montreal region. A warm front advancing into Ontario and Quebec this afternoon and tonight, will set the stage for several hours of mixed precipitation.

Clouds will thicken today, followed by snow spreading across the Ottawa Valley and into southwestern Quebec late this afternoon and this evening, persisting well into the overnight period. As warmer air erodes the cold air at the surface, the snow will change to rain, with the risk of freezing rain during the transition. Before the changeover, a good 5cm of snow is possible in Montreal, with 5 to 10cm expected north of Montreal and in the Ottawa region, as well as the eastern Townships. Some higher elevations across the Townships and Vermont may see up to 15cm. Locations that see freezing rain, such as Cornwall and Massena, may se as much as 10mm of ice accretion.

As the warmer air moves into the entire region Wednesday, temperatures will rise above freezing to around 3C (38F) in Montreal, with all precipitation changing over the light rain or drizzle.

If you have travel plans on Wednesday, expect highly variable conditions, with mixed precipitation and the likelihood of snow covered and icy roads in many locations.

On Thursday, a cold front will bring in an arctic airmass that will persist Friday and into the weekend, with temperatures falling through the day, along with gusty northwest winds. A few flurries are possible as well. Temperatures will be the coldest of the season so far by Friday, dropping from 5C (41F) Thursday, down to -8C (18F) by Friday morning and remaining fairly steady during the day. The low Saturday morning will be a chilly -12C (10F).

The Ice Bowl of 1977

Standing in the snow and cold during the 65th Grey Cup Parade in Montreal in November 1977. The photo was taken with my KODAK 110 camera, I was 11 at the time. The temperature was around -5C (23F), and heavy snow fell for the duration of the parade. It was awesome!

As we head into the CFL's 110th Grey Cup weekend, with the Montreal Alouettes set to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Tim Horton's Field in Hamilton, I started thinking about the famous Ice Bowl played back in 1977.

A record-breaking crowd of 68,318 fans braved a transit strike and game time windchills in the minus 20s. (Montreal Alouettes Photo)

Weather has often presented a serious challenge to Grey Cup participants and spectators alike. The game has been held in snow, sleet, fog and serious cold. Such was the case during the 65th Grey Cup held in Montreal on Sunday, November 27, 1977. The game, dubbed the Ice Bowl, saw game time temperatures around -10C (14F), with strong northwest winds that gusted between 50 and 70km/h at times. Windchill readings were in the minus 20s. Despite that, a record-setting crowd of 68,318 fans filled Olympic Stadium, with no roof at the time, braving the cold as well an ongoing transit strike. That record crowd for a Grey Cup game still stands to this day.

Field conditions were less than ideal, but that did not stop Montreal from defeating Edmonton 41-6. (Montreal Alouettes Photo)

The cold did not stop the Alouettes from destroying the Edmonton Eskimos 41-6 behind a stellar performance by Virginia native, Quarterback Sonny Wade and kicker Don Sweet from Vancouver. Both were playing in weather that neither grew up with. 

The frigid cold had poured in behind a major early season snowstorm, that had dumped 21.3cm of snow on the city on Saturday, November 26, with blowing, drifting snow and cold temperatures. The Grey Cup Parade that always preceded the game during the 70's was held along downtown St. Catherine Street. 

I lived in Verdun at that time, and was more than eager to attend the parade, despite the weather. I was 11 years-old in 1977 and all seemed right with the world to me standing in the snow and cold outside Woolworth's downtown, with my family. We occasionally would duck in for a hot chocolate at the lunch counter to warm up. The day remains a cherished memory for me with my late father, and further solidified my interest in weather. Snowstorms of the 1970's were awesome in my eyes, and this one was even more special.

No snow is forecast this weekend in Hamilton, with the game set to start at 6pm. Expect clear skies, light winds and chilly temperatures around 2C (35F), perfect football weather in Canada. Enjoy the game, GO ALS GO!

The snow intensified as temperatures dropped towards the end of the Grey Cup Parade in Montreal on November 26, 1977. (ValleyWeather)

Cold weekend ahead - but warmer weather on the way

The first significant snowfall of the season on Thursday produced a record-breaking 7cm of wet snow across the Montreal region. The snow iced roads and bridges leading to several major accidents and significant traffic delays. Conditions have vastly improved Friday morning. (Valley Weather)

A bulk of the 7cm of snow that fell in Montreal Thursday is gone already early Friday morning. The temperature has risen well above the freezing point and sits at 4C (39F) currently. We can expect a mild, windy high of 7C (45F), with winds out of the southwest 30-50km/h.

A cold front arrives this evening, setting the stage for a chilly weekend. Along the front look for scattered showers and flurries, followed by clearing skies and cold temperatures. Morning lows on both Saturday and Sunday will be down to -3C (27F) in the Montreal region.

Another round of showers is possible early next week, but the main story will be warming temperatures. Winter is not yet ready to take over. As a matter of fact, November is looking like a typical El Nino month, with more warm and dry days expected than wintry ones. This will give motorists a few more weeks to prepare for winter, because quite clearly many were not on Thursday.

The snow that fell quickly iced roads, especially elevated surfaces. The result was the typical nonsense that greets drivers every year as the first flakes fly. Numerous accident were reported, along with major delays during the morning commute. Conditions improved in the afternoon as temperatures warmed to the freezing point and the precipitation came to an end. Get those snow tires on!

The 7cm of snow that fell on Thursday at Trudeau Airport set a new daily record for November 9, surpassing the previous benchmark of 1.8cm set in 1952.

Snow and freezing rain for the Thursday morning commute

After a very mild October, many parts of Quebec have been thrown straight into winter. Heavy snow fell across portions of central Quebec on Monday and Tuesday, with more snow forecast Thursday, this time including Montreal and southern Quebec.

Expect wintry precipitation and slippery roads for the Thursday morning commute in Montreal and across the entire region.

A messy mix of snow and freezing rain is on the way for the Thursday morning commute from Ontario into southwestern Quebec. A clipper system from western Canada will move across the Great Lakes and down the St. Lawrence Valley. Typically these storms are moisture starved, but can benefit from the Great Lakes.

This system will provide many regions with the first snow and ice of the season. Special Weather Statements and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for a wide swath of southern and eastern Ontario as well as New York and New England. They will likely be extended into portions of Quebec later today.

In terms of weather, Wednesday will be fair, but chilly, with a gusty northwest winds of up to 50km/h. Tonight will start off clear, with temperatures dropping quickly after sunset before levelling off neat midnight. The early low will be -5C (23F) in Montreal. That cold air will set the stage for a burst of snow before sunrise, with up to 5cm possible for many locations. The snow will eventually mix with and change to freezing rain and rain from south to north. Precipitation should taper off to drizzle in the afternoon, with temperatures rising above freezing to 3C (38F).

Friday looks a touch milder, up to 6C (43F). The weekend at this time will be cooler, but dry. Briefly looking ahead to next week, our taste of winter looks brief as mild temperatures are set to return.

Rare November thunderstorms followed by snow

A few rare nocturnal November thunderstorms developed in advance of a cold front early Tuesday morning across the Montreal region. Much colder air and more snow is on the way by Thursday.

Much colder air arrives in Montreal later today, followed by up to 5cm of wet snow Thursday.

Montreal had a few surprise thunderstorms during the pre-dawn hours Tuesday, along with viid lightning and some heavy but very brief rainfall. The culprit is a clipper-type low pressure system and cold front over the Ottawa Valley, slicing southeast into some moderately unstable air. Temperatures are quite warm this morning, around 10C (50F) here on Ile Perrot. This will likely be the high for the day, as cooler air begins to filter into the St. Lawrence Valley later this morning on gusty northwest winds of up to 50km/h.

Temperatures will fall all day, down to below freezing this evening at -1C (30F) in Montreal. Wednesday will be partly sunny, but breezy and much cooler, with a high of only 3C (38F). That cooler air will set the stage for some mixed precipitation across eastern Ontario and western Quebec starting during the overnight hours into Thursday morning. Another Alberta Clipper will slide across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Valley bringing a swath of snow and rain to the region.

The temperature will be marginally cold enough in Montreal for snow to start, likely mixing with and changing to rain at some point Thursday. At this time, up to 5cm of wet snow may fall in several regions of southern Quebec, more to the north of the city and less south towards the US border.

There are still some details to work out, and this will not be a big storm by any stretch. However, November snowfalls can be very tricky and certainly can make driving challenging. Allow extra time for the Thursday morning commute.

First snowflakes of the season on the way for southern Quebec

Slushy minor snow accumulations are possible in the Montreal region Monday morning, with more snow expected outside the city, especially in the higher elevations along the New England border.

Special Weather Statement posted for the Eastern Townships, Beauce, Laurentians and Quebec City

The high temperature on Saturday was 20.6C in Montreal, nearly 70F in late October. Then a cold front moved across the region, accompanied by some robust showers, and winds gusting to 60km/h. The heat is now gone reality has returned, with temperatures falling since midday Saturday, and are now in the single digits, 6C (43F) here on Ile Perrot, 5C (41F) at Trudeau Airport.

More cold air is on our doorstep, with overnight lows tonight down to near the freezing point for many locations in southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. The aforementioned cold front has stalled south of Montreal across central Vermont and New York. Moisture will begin to overrun that front tonight into Monday morning, allowing for a mix of rain and wet snow to fall along the St. Lawrence Valley. All snow is expected north and east of Montreal, as well as in the higher elevations of the Townships and Beauce.

As far as accumulations are concerned, a slushy coating on grassy surfaces is possible in metro Montreal. Elsewhere across southern Quebec, 5cm to as much as 15cm (2 to 6 inches) of wet snow is possible, the highest totals in the upper elevations along the Maine border.

If you have travel plans for Monday, especially outside of the Montreal region, plan for highly variable conditions, with reduced visibility and slippery roads at times. This will come as a big shock to many after our very warm fall to date.

Skies will clear out for Halloween Tuesday, but the weather will remain chilly, with high temperatures near 4C (39F) and morning lows, with frost, down below freezing to -2C (29F). Frost is likely again Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

Warmer, seasonable weather will return to end the week, along with showers into next weekend.

Colder weather on the way for Montreal - Otis slams Acapulco

This fall in has been extremely warm in Montreal to date, with no frost reported in the city and temperatures running well-above normal. That is about to change as the coldest air of the season arrives this weekend and persists into next week. Frost is possible along with the first snowflakes of the season.

There is plenty of weather to talk about early on this Friday morning, with the temperature sitting at a remarkable 16C (61F) in Montreal. The normal high for this time of year is only 9C (48F), we have been running well-above normal this week. Friday will be another warm and windy day across southern Quebec, with a few showers around and high temperatures approaching 20C (68F).

We have one more day of warmth Saturday as a cold front arrives from the west. Behind this front will be the coldest weather of the season, with our first frost and snowflakes likely next week. Highs will drop Sunday into the single digits, and cool even further to around 4C (39F) for Halloween. The good news is the weather looks dry for trick or treating.

Beyond Tuesday, even cooler air arrives, with moisture invading from the south. There is a chance for some flurries by Wednesday, along with frost and freezing temperatures into Thursday morning. The low in Montreal may be as chilly as -2C (29F), cooler than any weather we have seen since early last spring.

Western Snow

While we have been warm, the west has plunged into the deep freeze for October. Cold weather and heavy snow has occurred across Alberta and into southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Record setting lows dropped as cold as -20C (-4F), with up to 20cm of snow falling in some locations close to the Montana border. Estevan, Saskatchewan reported 19cm of snow, while the low in Cardston, Alberta dropped to -20C shattering the record of -17.8C set way back in 1939.

Hurricane Otis slammed into Acapulco, Mexico on Wednesday morning, slicing a path of destruction through the city of 900,000 and nearly destroying the tourist industry in one night. Winds topped 265km/h tearing apart resorts and cutting power to the region. The storm strengthened explosively hitting with little warning, surprising forecasters and emergency planners. Photo: Protección Civil Chilpancingo

Hurricane Otis

Hurricane Otis slammed into the Mexican resort city of Acapulco just after midnight Wednesday as a major category 5 storm, with winds of 265km/h (165 mph). Otis was one of the strongest storms on record to hit the Pacific coast of Mexico. The storm has been blamed for at least 27 deaths, and widespread catastrophic damage expected to reach into the billions of dollars. The resort town was destroyed by a direct hit from one forecasters called a nightmare storm. 

Just 12 hours earlier, Otis was a minimal tropical storm, with not one computer model hinting at anything else. The storm then underwent a record breaking explosive intensification, with winds increasing 115mph in under 12 hours. The storm slammed onshore as a well-developed category 5 hurricane destroying infrastructure and severely damaging nearly 80 percent of the hotels in the popular resort community. Residents and tourists were trapped unable to evacuate in the severe weather conditions. Many hunkered down in high rise hotels as windows blew out and roofs torn away.

The unprecedented strengthening of Otis has forecasters extremely concerned for future storms.

Radar image of powerful hurricane Otis just prior to landfall near Acapulco on Wednesday morning. (NOAA)

Wet and chilly weekend expected for Montreal

Our mild September and early October has resulted in a sluggish foliage season across the Montreal region. That began to change drastically over the past week, with many parts of the city now seeing decent colour. There is still plenty of leaves left to fall, but the windy, wet and cooler weather forecast this weekend will likely accelerate that process. (Valley Weather Photo)

Strengthening low pressure along the US east coast this weekend will result in rainfall across much of southern Quebec into New England. Before then, we can expect a mild, partly cloudy Friday, with temperatures pushing into the upper teens. 

This past week has been rather grey and somewhat cooler that we had been accustomed to for most of September into the first week of October. Daytime highs have been closer to normal of late, in the lower teens, but overnight lows remain very mild, as a result most of the region has yet to see any frost.

After a few breaks of sun late Thursday and perhaps a few more Friday morning, cloud cover will thicken once again as the next weather system moves in. A deep trough will develop over the Great Lakes, with the first Nor'Easter of the season developing off the North Carolina coast moving northeast towards Atlantic Canada by Saturday. At the same time a cold front will be approaching from the west. The combination of the two systems will bring a steady rain to Montreal, starting late Friday and persisting into Saturday evening. Amounts will likely exceed 25mm (1 inch) in Montreal and may approach 50mm (2 inches), especially south and east of the city.

Temperatures will be mild Thursday night, with southwesterly winds blowing, dropping to 13C (55F). The normal low is 2C (36F). Friday and most of Saturday will be mild, in the mid to upper teens, before the aforementioned cold front crosses the region late Saturday. Temperatures will drop back to seasonal values for Sunday at 11C (52F),  Look for some of the coldest nights this fall so far Monday and Tuesday, with forecast lows close to 1C (34F). Some areas may see the first frost of the fall season.

Finally, southwesterly winds will become rather gusty on Friday, before backing to the northwest over the weekend, bringing in the cooler air.

Annular Solar Eclipse on Saturday, October 14

The Annular Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. Unlike a total eclipse, the Moon is at it's furthest point from Earth, appearing smaller and leaving a "ring of fire" around the sun. The eclipse will only cover about 10 percent of the sun in Montreal on Saturday, starting at 12:11 PM. (NASA Photo)

Most of North America will be treated to an Annular Solar Eclipse this Saturday, October 14. The Annular Eclipse, unlike a total eclipse, leaves a ring of light visible as the Moon passes between the Earth and Sun. The reason for this is that the Moon is currently at its furthest from Earth and does not completely cover the Sun. The path of near totality will stretch from Oregon to Texas, across parts of northeastern Mexico as well as sections of Alaska and the Caribbean. 

All of  Canada will experience at least a partial solar eclipse, with the best presentation of the eclipse in British Columbia. Vancouver will be at 80 percent peak, around 11am local time. The percentage of the Sun covered by the Moon will lower from west to east across the county, with the lowest impact in Atlantic Canada.

In Montreal, we will only experience around 10 percent of the sun blocked by the moon. The show will begin around 12:11PM, reach maximum around 1:17PM and end by 2:23PM. Despite it being only a partial eclipse, you should always protect your eyes and never stare directly at the sun. Eye damage can occur in seconds. Special viewing glasses are available on Amazon, and they would not be a bad investment. Montreal is only months away from the spectacular total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024.

The best way to view the eclipse on Saturday, will be at NASA.gov, which will be live-streaming the event from various locations in the path of near totality.

As far as the weather is concerned for viewing in Montreal this weekend, after a week of unsettled weather and plenty of rainfall, skies should be fair for Saturday, with temperatures near normal, 15C (59F).

October heatwave over - stormy weather expected for Thanksgiving weekend

The last appreciable rainfall in Montreal fell on September 19. Only 0.8mm has fallen at Trudeau Airport since. That all changes this weekend as our heatwave comes to an end, and heavy rain moves in. Some locations will receive a months rainfall in 48 hours. Between 50-80mm is possible for our region.

Rainfall warning in effect for metro Montreal.

UPDATE, Saturday, October 7: Weather warnings remain in place as heavy rain continues to fall across southern Quebec. As of 12pm, close to 65mm had fallen in Montreal, with another 40mm possible. That would bring amounts over 100mm (4 inches), a record for the date. As a result of the prolonged dry period we just experienced, little flooding is occurring so far. The exception is water accumulation on roadways, especially where leaves are blocking sewer grates. Drive carefully.

Our October heatwave will come to an end on Friday, but with potentially one more record to break before it ends. The forecast high Friday is 25C (77F), the record for the date, set in 2005, is 26C (79F). We have a shot at it, but increasing clouds may hold back afternoon temperatures just a touch. This will be the last day of our current remarkable heatwave. Montreal managed another record high on Wednesday, reaching 28.5C (85F), surpassing the 2005 record of 26C (79F). Dozens of records for heat and humidex, as well as warmest minimum temperatures have been established across eastern North America this week. Included in that was the warmest October high temperature for Montreal, dating back to 1871, with Tuesday's high of 29.3C. We will likely establish another record for the warmest overnight Friday, having only dropped to 19C (66F) so far. The record was 16.7C set in 1937. The normal high for October 6 is 15C (59F), but what is "normal" anymore.

The unusual heat is over, and our attention turns to a frontal boundary slowly mowing across Ontario. Ahead and along the front, heavy rain is occurring, along with some thunder. It has been 16 days since our last rainfall for most of us. A trace did fall at Trudeau on Tuesday morning as a few isolated thunderstorms bubbled up. We need the rain and we will get it. Showers and thunderstorms should develop this afternoon in Montreal, transitioning to a steady rain overnight and all day Saturday. Total rainfall amounts between Friday and Sunday for southern Quebec will be in the 50-80mm range. Most regions should absorb the rainfall, but there could be some minor water accumulation and flooding in low lying areas.

Tropical storm Philippe, located south of Bermuda on Friday morning, is forecast to weaken and move across Maine and into central Quebec this weekend, adding deep moisture and gusty winds to our forecast. (NHC)

The frontal boundary and parent low pressure will stall over Quebec on the weekend, maintaining showers throughout Thanksgiving and into next week. Adding to the moisture will be the remains of tropical storm Philippe, located 315 kilometres south of Bermuda Friday morning. Philippe is forecast to become post-tropical and move inland across Maine and into southern Quebec by Sunday.

Along with the rain this weekend, will be gusty winds, up to 50km/h, especially Sunday. Temperatures will be the other big story, falling way back to normal values for early October. The low Saturday morning will be 15C, rising to the upper teens Saturday, falling back to the lower teens late in the day and remaining there Sunday, with a high of 13C (55F) expected. The cooler weather will remain with us all next week.

Record breaking warmth to start October - much colder weather for Thanksgiving

The weather has been nearly perfect over the last two weeks across the Montreal region, making for a rather unseasonable yet picturesque view at Point-du-Mouilin in Notre-Dame-de-L'Ile Perrot over the weekend. The upcoming week will feature hazy sunshine and record-breaking warmth. We can expect a dramatic change as we head into the upcoming holiday weekend. (ValleyWeather)

It has been an absolutely spectacular stretch of weather to end  September and start October in Montreal. Strong high pressure has been dominating our weather over the last two weeks, with cool nights and warm pleasant days. Winds have been calm for the last several days. The only glitch in the forecast has been some high clouds at times and hazy skies in the upper atmosphere, generated from western wildfires, something we have become all too familiar with in 2023.

The forecast for this week is for much of the same, very warm temperatures and sunshine. Southwest winds will drive temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal values, with record highs likely through the middle portion of the week. The high on Tuesday is forecast at 29C (85F), the normal high is only 15C (59F). We should break the the record high for Tuesday of 26.7C (80F) set in 1953. On Wednesday and Thursday, highs will be close to 30C (86F). The record highs for those days are 26.7C (80F) and 26C (79F) respectively, both set in 2005. Overnight lows will be warm as well, in the 13C to 17C (55-63F), well above the normal low for early October of 5C (41F).

One more record will likely fall this week, showing us just how mild 2023 has been. We have not recorded a high temperature below 16C (61F) since May 25, a stretch of 132 days. The record in question was established 136 years ago in 1887, when daytime high temperatures remained above 16C for 133 consecutive days, from May 1st to September 10, 1887. Our current run will likely end during the Thanksgiving long weekend, as a cold front and strong low pressure will finally bring Montreal some rain, along with much cooler temperatures. Until then enjoy the summer-like warmth.

As far as precipitation is concerned, we need some moisture, as it has not rained in Montreal since September 19. The aforementioned high pressure has been deflecting all the significant weather systems around southern Quebec. For the month of September, we managed only 27mm of precipitation, well below the normal value of 83.1mm.

By Friday, some showers are possible, with more significant rainfall on Saturday. High temperatures will fall from the upper 20s into the low teens by Saturday and Sunday.

Spectacular weather forecast for Montreal to end September

Strong high pressure will remain in control of the weather over southern Quebec during the entire upcoming week. We can expect near-perfect fall weather, sunshine and highs in the low to middle 20s. The only exception was a few high clouds from tropical storm Ophelia over the weekend, and gusty northeast winds from the same system on Monday.

Strong high pressure is in control of the weather across southern Quebec, with nothing but sunshine and warm temperatures expected through the entire upcoming week. The area of high pressure is forecast to remain in place across the central portion of the province, keeping any inclement weather well south of our region. 

Cloud cover from the remains of tropical storm Ophelia can be seen south of the Saint Lawrence Valley across central New York and Vermont on Monday morning. (NOAA)

The remains of tropical storm Ophelia, which made landfall Saturday in North Carolina, are located across the middle Atlantic states, with showers and gusty winds. Clouds from this system reach as far north as central Vermont and New York. The only practical weather expected here in southern Quebec from Opehila, will be a gusty northeast wind, between 30-50km/h expected during the daylight hours Monday. Winds should ease after sunset.

The first day of fall was Saturday, greeted with summer like sunshine and warm high temperatures in the low to middle 20s. This trend will persist right through the upcoming week and even beyond into next weekend. High temperatures will be in the 20s (68-75F) with overnight lows either side of 10C (50F). I see no end to this perfect fall weather before next Monday or Tuesday at the earliest, with a cold front arriving from the northwest.

Coastal low pulls away leaving Montreal with a perfect stretch of late summer weather

Wind gusts of up to 117km/h accompanied tropical storm Lee, as the system moved into Nova Scotia and New Brunswick over the weekend. The storm brought down trees and power lines, knocking out power to over 400,000 customers across Atlantic Canada.  Over 100mm of rain fell in the Gaspe region of Quebec. Another coastal storm is brining more rain to the Quebec on Tuesday. (Nova Scotia Power)

Rain is falling across southern and eastern Quebec on Tuesday morning, some of it quite heavy. Montreal was once again on the western edge of most of the significant weather on Monday, as a coastal low moved along the eastern seaboard to lie near Bar Harbor, Maine on Tuesday. The storm will lift northeast into New Brunswick today, while an upper low spins overhead bringing us a windy, wet, cool and very fall like day.

Skies will begin to clear out Wednesday morning, as high pressure moves into the region and slowly drifts south and east across Quebec and New England. We can expect a prolonged period of near-perfect late summer weather, with moderating temperatures into the low 20s (70-75F) for daytime highs, accompanied by wall to wall sunshine. The beautiful weather will last into the upcoming weekend and the first day of fall Saturday.  Overnight lows will be seasonably cool, either side of 10C (50F).

Rainfall amounts Tuesday will be in the 10 to 15mm range for Montreal, while 30 to 50mm has already fallen across parts of the Townships, Beauce and into the Gaspe regions. More rain is forecast today. Today's rain across the Gaspe comes on the heels of over 100mm that fell from tropical storm Lee over the weekend.

Lee pounded Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada Saturday, with hour upon hour of tropical storm force wind gusts up to 117km/h in Halifax, well over 100km/h at many other locations. Power was out to almost 400,000 homes and businesses across Nova Scoita, New Brunswick and eastern Maine. Towering waves and a storm surge damaged coastal roads and produced flooding. All in all the region fared better than expected, especially considering how long Lee lingered over the area and how strong the storm was in the days leading up to landfall. Lee moved inland west of Yarmouth and into the Bay of Funday during the early morning hours on Saturday, September 16.

Montreal to remain on extreme western edge of hurricane Lee

Sunrise over hurricane Lee early Friday morning on the NOAA visible satellite image. The extreme southern tip of Nova Scotia is visible at the top of the image. Lee had 140km/h winds and was located 740 kilometres southeast of Cape Cod moving north at 26km/h. (NOAA) 

Widespread weather warnings are in place from coastal New England into Atlantic Canada early Friday morning, as hurricane Lee races northward. Montreal will remain on the far western edge of the storm, with little weather forecast.

Early Friday morning hurricane Lee was located 740 kilometres south, southeast of Cape Cod, moving north at 26km/h. The storm has winds of 140km/h, extending outward from the centre up to 165km, with tropical storm force winds (63km/h) up to 520km from the centre. Lee is churning up the ocean into 15 to 20 foot swells along with a storm surge of 1-3 feet spreading from New Jersey to Nova Scotia. The result is very dangerous sea and surf conditions all along the east coast from North Carolina to Nova Scotia.

The updated forecast track of Hurricane Lee across Atlantic Canada provided by the Canadian Hurricane Centre. (CHC image)

A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning is now in effect for portions of the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick coast as well as inland locations, with Lee forecast to make landfall as a category one hurricane or strong tropical storm sometime Saturday afternoon. Winds in excess of 100km/h along with 50 to 100mm (2-4 inches) of rain are expected in the warning area and northeast across interior Nova Scotia and into Prince Edward Island as well as the Gaspe region of Quebec. The heavy rain and gusty winds will also impact the Lower North Shore of Quebec.

Heavy rain has been falling already this week in many locations in Nova Scotia, and there is a serious risk for flash flooding over the next 48 hours for many parts of that province. Hugh waves and rough surf will impact the immediate coastal counties as well as the maritime and coastal offshore waters. Coastal flooding and damage to infrastructure is possible, along with power outages and tree damage.

Montreal and southern Quebec will remain on the extreme western edge of the storm, with gusty northeast winds (20-40km/h) expected along with cloud cover from Lee, but no precipitation.

Lee will continue to accelerate to the northeast on Saturday into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and eventually southwest Newfoundland, while becoming extra-tropical in nature. Heavy rain and gusty winds will continue along the path of the weakening storm.

Hurricane Lee taking aim at Atlantic Canada

The forecast track of hurricane lee as the storm approaches New England and Atlantic Canada this weekend. Lee is currently located 675 KM south, southwest of Bermuda. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the island nation, with gusty winds and up to 50mm of rain possible. (Canadian Hurricane Centre)

Once powerful category 5 hurricane Lee is forecast to approach the New England and Atlantic Canada coast over the upcoming weekend. Lee is located on Wednesday afternoon, 1635 kilometres south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Lee is moving north, northwest at 15km/h, with winds of 175 km/h, now category 2 strength. Forecasters expect Lee to turn towards the north while accelerating over the next 24 to 48 hours. Gradual weakening is expected, as the storm encounters much cooler ocean water, but Lee will remain a strong storm.

The storm is expanding in size as well, and remains very dangerous. Pounding surf and dangerous rip currents are expected along the entire eastern seaboard for the southeast US northward into Atlantic Canada.

A NOAA satellite image of powerful hurricane Lee in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, well south of New England on Wednesday afternoon.

At this time computer models have shifted the track of Lee westward, indicating a potential landfall west of Yarmouth, either on the New Brunswick coast or far down-east Maine. Heavy rainfall, strong winds and a dangerous storm surge are forecast along the immediate coastal area near landfall. As the storm expands in size, wind and rain will impact large portions of eastern New England, as well as far eastern Quebec, Nova Scoita, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. At landfall, Lee is expected to be a category one hurricane or strong tropical storm. The storm will move across the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and into Newfoundland by Sunday while weakening.

As far as southern Quebec is concerned, we will remain on the far western edge of any weather from Lee, with perhaps a few clouds and gusty northeast winds in the 30-50km/h range over the weekend. This forecast is subject to change for all regions depending on the final track of Lee, but at the moment, the models have been fairly consistent with the storm approaching the coast near the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, close to the Maine/New Brunswick border.

September heatwave for Montreal as temperatures soar into the 30s

Despite the arrival of meteorological fall on September 1st, some of the the warmest temperatures of the summer are set to invade southern Quebec this week. The warmer than normal weather has not stopped some of the trees from beginning the process of changing colour and dropping their leaves.

Heat Warning in effect for Montreal

Strong high pressure will expand a heat dome that has been present most of the summer over a large portion of the United States, northeastward into upstate New York, northern New England, southern Ontario and Quebec including the metropolitan Montreal region.

Widespread heat warnings and advisories are in place across most of eastern Ontario, southern Quebec and New England on this Labour Day Monday, as a very warm and humid airmass invades the region. Daytime highs this week will be some of the warmest recorded all summer long, with temperatures forecast in the low 30s, and humidex values approaching 40C. Overnight lows will remain warm and muggy, dropping only into the upper teens and low 20s.

Warm southwest winds throughout the week will provide little in the way of relief as they draw deep tropical moisture northward from the Gulf of Mexico.

By Thursday, a cold front will approach slowly form the northwest, with a chance for showers and thunderstorms. Cooler weather will arrive by next weekend.

To date, Montreal has only recorded 8 days of temperatures at 30C or higher. Six of those occurred in May and June, with only 2 days through the normally hot and humid months of July and August. You can blame a stubborn pattern of persistent clouds, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for the cooler than average summer.

So for the next week in Montreal, expect very warm and humid conditions, feeling almost oppressive at times. Limit outdoor activities during the warmest part of the day and drink plenty of water. The warm and humid weather can be particularly difficult and the very young and old as well as those with respiratory issues. 

Strong thunderstorms move across the Montreal region

Rounds of strong thunderstorms are moving across the Montreal region on Wednesday. The main severe weather threat will be from torrential downpours and intense lightning.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Montreal

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect across southern Quebec including the metropolitan Montreal region through late afternoon Wednesday. A series of cold fronts is producing lines of strong thunderstorms across eastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec. Thee main threat will be heavy rain and intense, frequent lightning.

Pre-dawn thunderstorms moved across the island of Montreal early in the day, producing very heavy rain and minor flash flooding in several locations. The morning commute was slower than normal due to water accumulation. Intense rain produced a quick 20 to 30mm of rain in less than one hour. The storms were accompanied by vivid lightning, hundreds of strikes, resulting in power outages to over 40,000 Hydro-Quebec customers, mainly in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Hudson and Saint Lazare.

The threat for thunderstorms will diminish by early this evening as the fronts clear our region. Cooler, dry air will move into southern Quebec tonight, with chilly overnight lows around 10C (50F) in Montreal. Thursday will be a spectacular day, with sunshine, low humidity and a high of 21C (70F). Some late summer heat returns for the weekend and into the first week of September.

Powerful category 4 hurricane Idalia making landfall in Florida

Satellite image of powerful category 4 hurricane Idalia just off the Florida coast early Wednesday morning. (NOAA)

Idalia strengthened rapidly overnight into a category 4 hurricane, with winds reaching 130mph (215km/h). Early Wednesday morning, the center was located just off the Florida Gulf Coast, 95km west of Cedar Key, moving north, northeast at 30km/h.

Idalia will move inland early this morning, with a storm surge in excess of 12 feet expected along the coast. Coastal flooding, heavy rain, flooding and tornadoes will move across the Big Bend area of northern Florida today, spreading into Georgia and the Carolinas this afternoon and tonight. Forecasters expect Idalia to remain a hurricane into Georgia, with widespread power outages and significant damage expected.

Once Idalia emerges along the southeastern coast, flooding will spread northward into the Carolinas. Idalia is expected to slowly weaken over the course of the next 12-24 hours while inland. The storm however will become reinvigorated once it moves back over the open waters of the Atlantic. Expect Idalia to be around well into the upcoming Labour Day weekend.

Along the Florida coast early Wednesday morning, water levels are rising rapidly and evacuations and preparations have been rushed to completion. It is now time to hunker down and wait and see what Idalia does.

This story will be updated today.

Florida Gulf Coast braces for Hurricane Idalia

A NOAA satellite image of rapidly strengthening hurricane Idalia in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico early Tuesday morning. The storm brushed by the western tip of Cuba overnight. Florida is the next target for Idalia, with landfall expected Wednesday near Cedar Key. (NOAA Image)

Idalia has become a hurricane in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico early Tuesday morning, located 600 kilometres south southwest of Tampa Bay. Idalia has strengthened into a hurricane as of the most recent advisory, with 75mph (120 km/h). Idalia is moving faster this morning, towards the north at 22km/h.

The hurricane is forecast to deepen rapidly today, approaching the Big Bend region of Florida by early Wednesday morning, before crossing the state and emerging on the Atlantic Coast later in the day.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Centre are expecting Idalia to strengthen to a major category 3 hurricane before landfall, with winds exceeding 120mph (195km/h). Isolated tornadoes are possible as well across interior portions of Florida and Georgia during landfall on Wednesday.

The official National Hurricane Center forecast track of Hurricane Idalia through the upcoming Labour Day weekend. (NHC Image)

Hurricane, tropical storm and storm surge warnings are posted for a large swath of the Florida Gulf Coast, as well as the east coast of the US from Florida northward into the Carolinas. Storm surge near landfall is expected to be in the 8 to 12 foot range, producing catastrophic flooding and damage along the immediate coast. Heavy rain, in excess of 200mm (8 inches) is likely across Florida into Georgia and South Carolina. Coastal flooding is likely as far north as Cape Hatteras on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Idalia is entering deep, warm waters in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, with rapid intensification expected Tuesday. Widespread evacuations have been ordered for coastal counties along the Florida Gulf Coast, and Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency. 

Final note at this time, Idalia is expected to remain well south of New England and eastern Canada with no impacts forecast.