Fire danger remains high - burn ban in effect in Quebec

The fire risk is high across the region. Above crews are battling several brush fires in northern Vermont. This one was near Colchester just outside Burlington. Burn bans are in effect in Quebec and New York. (FOX 44)

Outdoor burning is not allowed in Quebec for the time being as an usually dry and hot period greets us to start May. Low relative humidity, lots of available fuel, and near record warmth has increased the fire danger to extreme. Nearly 150 fires so far this year in the province have burned over 132 hectares, both way over the 10 year average. Currently 9 fires are burring in Quebec.

Again yesterday temperatures rose rapidly and leveled off between 27 and 29C across the southern half of the province. Expect high temperatures today to reach around 28C in Montreal. The record for today is 29.8C set in 1982, we have a slim shot at it. Of note on this day in 1976 4.6cm of snow fell. Last Friday I mentioned that it had snowed in Arkansas, 5 inches fell at Decatur. That was the first measurable snow ever recorded in May in that state dating back to 1819. Meanwhile at the same time North Bay, Ontario had temperatures in the high 20's (near 80F). Yesterday the heat surged northward across Western Canada after what has been a frigid spring. Just one week after having snow, Edmonton set a record high of 31C. They have settled down to 8C this morning and will only reach 16C today.