Posted May 2, 2023 at 3:18 p.m
Thunderstorms capable of generating hail and strong squalls will hit Quebec on Tuesday.
A summer signature
Several signs tell us that summer is just around the corner in Quebec: melting snow on the ground, buds in the trees, thunderstorms… And now Tuesday afternoon could be quite active on the thunderstorm side in southern Quebec. . Most of the system’s available power is in northern New England. However, abundance could occur in certain sectors of Quebec, notably Estrie, Montérégie, as well as the Lower Laurentians. The risk zone even extends from Abitibi to the Capitale-Nationale via the Hautes-Laurentides. The metropolitan area and the Montérégie are also to be kept in mind this evening.
A distinct chasm
It is the cold air at altitude combined with the sun’s rays heating the air at ground level that causes this instability. Strong gusts of wind could already be seen in the areas mentioned on Tuesday evening. We are talking about wind peaks that can exceed 60 km/h. It is possible to see some hailstones falling from the sky in places.
In May almost as many as in September
Thunderstorms are less common in early May but we should expect to see more and more of them. On average, the month of May in Quebec has 12 days in which thunderstorms are reported. This number increases to 19 for June. It is therefore normal that there are more stormy days at the end of May than in the first few weeks.
In full upward curve
On average, the first thunderstorms hit the province on March 20th. However, they are rather rare. Usually there are only two in the whole month of March. In the case of severe thunderstorms, the first can be felt on average on May 3rd. We are entering the opening of the severe storm season.
Special conditions
Keep in mind that at least one of the following four factors must be present to be considered a “major storm”:
At least 50 mm of rain in a short time;
hailstones with a diameter of at least 2 cm;
wind speeds of at least 90 km/h;
Tornado Danger.
Summer doesn’t just come with good weather. Violent and sudden conditions are an integral part of Quebec’s beautiful season.