Severe thunderstorm watches are currently in effect for many regions of northwestern Quebec. Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Chibougamau sector are particularly likely to see lightning.
Much of the north shore of the St. Lawrence River is threatened by a low risk of severe thunderstorms today. Western, southern and central Quebec, with regions such as Abitibi, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, or even the island of Montreal, could hear the thunder rumble.
The majority of cells should break out in isolation, with no real organization. This type of storm is typically less powerful than more structured disturbances (which often follow the passage of a cold front). Warm and very humid air accompanied by heavy rain will nevertheless be more present in the Montreal metropolis and in the Outaouais region.
The afternoon and evening could be particularly hectic. From Abitibi-Témiscamingue to Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, cells could develop, leading to the risk of thunderstorms and strong gusts. However, the risk decreases over the hours: the setting sun and the heat that loses feathers near the surface reduce instability.
At the height of the disturbances, isolated thunderstorms and heavy rain could arrive over Montreal by this evening, as the air will be laden with humidity. Strong gusts could also occur. A risk of aquaplaning cannot be ruled out, and it is therefore advisable to be careful if you have to take the road.
Lightning moves east
The night from Sunday to Monday is likely to receive its share of lightning in the southern and central regions of the province. This instability will have the collateral effect of dispelling the extreme heat. The sweltering humidity should indeed bow out overnight Sunday to Monday, bringing the mercury back to more seasonal normals.
