Montreal Weather: 'Severe' thunderstorms — and even a tornado — could be on the way
As the sun shines outside your window, or you enjoy a lovely walk in the balmy 27-degree heat, this may not be the Montreal weather forecast update you hoped for. But please don't blame messenger! If only because you could get caught in some extremely unpleasant weather if you leave the house to track us down and yell at us.
Severe thunderstorms and even a tornado may be on their way to Montreal on Wednesday afternoon, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), which currently has the city under a "severe thunderstorm watch."
"This afternoon, conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong gusts, large hail and heavy rain," the federal agency says in an alert on its website.
"Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads."
Environment Canada also warns Canadians that lightning can kill and injure, advising the public to remember the following phrase: "When thunder roars, go indoors!"
That said, bear in mind that at the time of publication, this alert was still labelled as a 'watch' rather than a 'warning.'
What's the difference? ECCC Weather Quebec's account on X (formerly Twitter) explains it using a poutine analogy.
When there's a weather watch, we have all the ingredients needed to make poutine, but haven't put them together yet — so we may have poutine or we may not. But we're ready, with our forks in our pockets, to act when and if the time comes.
When there's a weather warning, the ingredients have come together to form the dish, and we are definitely having poutine. Bon Appétit.
The Montreal area isn't the only part of the province impacted by ECCC's "severe thunderstorm watch," which is in effect for much of southwestern Quebec and nearby parts of Ontario. You can find a detailed map on the Environment Canada website.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Environment Canada emergency weather alert.Mike Chaar | MTL Blog