Six more weeks of winter - starting today!

Phil in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania at 7:20 AM this morning. Phil saw his shadow, 6 more weeks of winter, as if we did not already know!

7:20 AM Update: Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania has seen his shadow, lots more winter ahead.

As I write the various groundhogs across North America are getting ready to make their fearless prediction for an early Spring or six more weeks of winter. I just had to ask my dog, she did not want to walk this morning, and for good reason. It is a frigid Monday morning in Montreal and across the entire region. The temperature is currently -22C (-8F) with a wind blowing out of the northeast, as it will be all day, in excess of 50km/h. Add the two and you are looking at windchill readings in the minus 30's.

Strong low pressure that has put down 1-2 feet of wind driven snow from Illinois into Michigan and Ontario is edging into southern Quebec this morning. The center of the low will move across Pennsylvania and off the Atlantic Coast near New York City by tonight.We will remain on the northern edge of the precipitation with 10cm of snow for Montreal and up to 20cm along the US border. 20-30cm is forecast for snow weary New England and Atlantic Canada. The wind will be a major factor in Montreal as it has been along the entire 401 corridor. Expect lots of blowing snow with visibility often under 1km. A blowing snow advisory is in effect for the St. Lawrence Valley, with winter storm warnings for the Townships where 20cm is forecast today. Travel by air and road has been greatly impacted across Ontario and the US Midwest and expect delays in New England and Quebec today. Call ahead to the airport as many flights to Toronto have been delayed. Already 15-20cm has fallen in Toronto with 35cm (14") in Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, and 19.3 inches in Chicago.