High wind warning for Montreal with snow squalls possible

High Wind Warning remains in effect for Montreal for southwest winds 50-90km/h from late afternoon towards midnight.

Snow Squall Watch posted for most of southern Quebec for brief squalls late today and this evening.

Winds are increasing across the region at 11am, gusting up to 50km/h in Montreal.

A high wind warning is in effect for the St. Lawrence Valley of southern Quebec, eastern Ontario and New York State. Strong low pressure passing well north of our region across James Bay will drag a strong arctic cold front through Montreal late this evening. In advance of the front, strong southwest winds are picking up this morning, already in the 30-50km/h range. The winds will continue to increase, reaching speeds of 50-90km/h, with gusts to 100km/h (60 MPH). The wind will ease overnight, backing to the northwest at speeds of 40-60km/h and persisting Tuesday.

Winds of this speed are capable of producing power outages as well as some damage. In addition to the strong winds, snow squalls may develop along the front from late afternoon towards midnight. The squalls will be capable of brief heavy snow, with reduced visibilities and near-blizzard conditions at times. Accumulations should be light, with less than 5cm expected for most locations.

Temperatures will start the day off mild, as warm as 0C (32F) for some locations, but fall rapidly behind the front, down to -10C (14F) by Tuesday morning, and remaining steady on Tuesday. Another round of light snow is possible for Montreal on Wednesday.

The active weather pattern will continue all week and into the first few days of February, with several chances for snow and wind as well as highly changeable temperatures. Stay tuned!