Montreal on the western edge of east coast storm

Mild temperatures today made for a perfect day outdoors at Cap St. Jacques nature park on the West Island of Montreal. (ValleyWX Photo)

Montreal remains on the western edge of an east coast low pressure area at this time. Moisture continues to surge north into New England and southern Quebec this evening. Temperatures warmed above freezing today in Montreal, reaching a very mild 4C (39F), however in the last few hours cold air has filtered in from the north, just as the precipitation has arrived. It is now -2C (28F) with light snow falling as of 7:30pm here on L'Ile Perrot. The rain and snow line is splitting the city of Montreal in half this evening, snow west, rain east.

A mix of rain, freezing rain and wet snow is likely tonight across southern Quebec, with the heaviest precipitation falling across the Townships, north and east into Quebec City and central Quebec. My initial forecast last Thursday of 10-15cm for Montreal still looks good. Upwards of 20cm or more is possible for Quebec City, and portions of central Quebec may see as much as 50cm. Freezing rain will be a problem tonight in many regions of southern Quebec as it has been across New England today. Drive with great caution and expect slick roads everywhere. Rain is falling in the Townships, but that will change to snow tonight. The snow will taper off from west to east by late Monday. Temperatures will drop Monday in Montreal down to -5C by late in the day. Strong gusty winds up to 50km/h will cause some blowing and drifting snow.

Current Warnings:
Winter Storm Warning: Quebec City, North Central & Northeast Vermont.
Winter Weather Advisory: Champlain Valley of NY & Vermont.
Rainfall Warning: Eastern Townships