Colder air arrives in Montreal by the weekend

Strong low pressure along with frigid air has swept across Alberta into Montana producing blizzard conditions. Some of that cold air will arrive in Montreal by the weekend. (Photo: Country 105 via Twitter)

It is another grey and damp morning across the St. Lawrence Valley, with very poor air quality. A weak area of high pressure is over southern Quebec with very little in the way of air movement. Some moisture last evening put down a quick 2-3cm of snow, enough to plow. This morning the temperature remains steady at -1C where it has been since 6pm last evening. Little movement of the air indicates an inversion at the surface here in Montreal, therefore a smog alert has been posted.

The forecast for today calls for more of the same with a high near 1C and perhaps a few flurries. There is also lots of freezing fog and mist around as well so roads can be slick in spots. Looking ahead low pressure that has brought blizzard conditions to Alberta during the last 24 hours, will move from the northern plains into the Great Lakes. A warm front will try to lift across the area late Wednesday, accompanied by spotty rain or freezing rain. Mild air will spill into the region on Thursday with highs possibly up to 8C (48F). It will be short lived with a piece of that arctic air over the Prairies moving into Montreal by the weekend. The cold air will be accompanied by some snow as well, perhaps a few centimetres. Temperatures will drop to daytime highs around -5C by Sunday.