Frigid March morning

One of the perils of this winter across Eastern North America has been the tremendous build up of ice and snow that is loosening in the March sun. In the past week, several large chunks of ice have fallen from roofs and struck cars. Thankfully no one has been seriously hurt. The ice above fell from an apartment roof in Connecticut last week. (Photo NBC Connecticut)

We just missed the record low this morning in Montreal at the airport at least, dropping to -16C, the record was -20C set in 1950. It was cold everywhere with -20C on L'Ile Perrot, -26C in Lennoxville and Granby, -24C in St. Jerome and -22C in Cornwall.

This morning was also the coldest St. Patrick's Day morning in 129 years in Burlington, Vermont where it is currently -8F (-22C), the record was -6F (-21C) set in 1885. Look for a rapid increase in temperatures today under light winds and the warm March sun. High temperatures are forecast around -6C, a vast improvement over the -9C on Sunday with those biting northwest winds. The cold and wind failed to keep large crowds from enjoying the 191st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal. Temperatures were around -10C with a gusty wind that made it feel closer to -20C. But a least it was dry and sunny. The event has never failed to run, despite terrible weather some years with cold, wind snow and rain. That included the March 1993 parade that was held the morning after the super storm that dumped 45cm of snow on the city. Snowplows were part of the parade, but the event went on.

This week will be a little milder, but still below normal for mid to late March. Sunshine today and Tuesday will be replaced by clouds with flurries or showers for Wednesday and Thursday. It will be chilly today, but warm to above freezing by Wednesday.