A taste of the colder months could be on the radar. In fact, a Nor’easter could reach Belle Province within the next few days.
Good to know : A nor’easter, or coastal storm, is a severe low-pressure system that sweeps up the east coast of the United States. It got its nickname because of the northeast winds that blow in this region of the continent.
This type of disturbance is generally characterized by high winds and heavy rainfall. In winter, the heaviest storms to hit Quebec and the Maritimes often belong to this category.
A rarity in summer
In theory, this type of system can occur at any time of the year. In fact, the vast majority is formed from the month of October. Seeing such a low in August is therefore not common, since summer jet stream fluctuations are not favorable for their development.
At the moment, the atmospheric context is rather unusual in the east of the continent, as the trough extends quite far to the south. The contrast between the air masses – warm in the south and cooler towards Quebec – allows for its formation and intensification. Relatively warm waters off the US east coast will also fuel the disturbance.
A scent of uncertainty
This strong system is expected to move up the coast on Wednesday, dumping good amounts of rainfall across New England. Strong gusts are also possible in this region.
It’s possible that Quebec is entitled to its share of the pie, but the riots should diminish in intensity before approaching the province. Heavy daytime rain is possible throughout Thursday on the Gaspé Peninsula, Magdalen Islands and shores of the North Shore. Nearly 50mm could fall in New Brunswick, but precipitation expected on our side of the border should approach 30mm.
However, nothing is certain. Whether Quebec will be affected by this system is difficult to predict. Since it is not yet fully organized, its impact remains uncertain.
Also, its trajectory isn’t set in stone. A high-pressure zone firmly anchored in Quebec is effectively blurring the maps. If it gains strength over the next few days, it could push the storm back toward the Atlantic, and the east of the province would be spared.