Montreal hit with the coldest March morning in 18 years, messy storm looms
Coldest temperatures of the season spread over Quebec, with eyes on a messy mid-week storm
March has certainly came in like a lion across Quebec, with dangerously cold conditions plunging into the -20s.
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Early Sunday morning, the temperature fell below -20°C at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, the first time in March since 2017. The wind chill value hit -30, a rare feat for the city during the month of March, and only the fifth time on record during the month since 2000.
By early Monday morning, things got even colder, as the temperature fell below -22°C at the airport. That was a first since March 2007.
This type of March cold doesn't happen very often
How often does the coldest temperature of the year fall in March? Simply put, not often.
March 6, 2007 (-24.3°C)
March 3, 2003 (-26.8°C)
March 2, 1980 (-27.1°C)
March 4, 1950 (-29.4°C)
So far this season, Montreal’s lowest temperature was a -21.8°C reading on Feb. 2.
Breaking out of the brief cold spell, but with eyes on some messy weather
Temperatures will begin to swiftly rebound as early as Tuesday, but with eyes on a strong Colorado low, which is expected to track west and north of the region on Wednesday.
This system will bring widespread rain, windy conditions, and much milder temperatures, which could actually approach the double digits near and south of the St. Lawrence.
Special weather statements are already in effect for the rain that will accompany this warming pattern. Between 15-25 mm of rain is forecast through Thursday, heightening the risk for flooding with snowmelt.
There is also a risk of freezing rain on Wednesday morning before temperatures rise and the rain arrives.
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Temperatures will turn much colder as the storm departs the region, but will rebound once again next week. Above seasonal temperatures are expected to dominate during mid-March and into late March, as well.
Be sure to check back for all the weather updates across Quebec.