This very gloomy stretch could be a first in 50 years
The very gloomy month of May in Quebec could go down in history
After a week marked by overcast skies and rain, the data confirms what many have felt: May 2025 could become the least sunny month in over half a century in Montreal.
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Seven days without sunshine
Between May 18 and 24, Montreal logged just 1 hour and 30 minutes of sunshine—a notably low amount.
To date, both Montreal and Quebec City recorded around 100 hours sunshine during the month of May. However, the monthly average is over 200 hours.
The record to beat is that of May 2017, when only 148 hours of sunshine was logged in Montreal.
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With a few more sunshine hours forecast until midweek, we could accumulate another 30 to 40 hours. But the grey skies expected for the weekend suggest a total that could remain below this historic minimum threshold.
This is the lowest figure since 1969, when sunshine data collection began.
A striking contrast at the other end of the country
Ironically, while Quebec struggles to return to seasonal conditions, the town of Fort Smith in the southern Northwest Territories could experience temperatures above 30°C this week, an exceptional phenomenon for the region.
The coming days are expected to be slightly sunnier in Quebec, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, by Thursday, a new system will bring rain and cooler conditions, along with persistent cloud cover through to the weekend.
This article was translated from MétéoMédia, The Weather Network’s Quebec-based sister station.