Published on February 26, 2024 at 4:26 p.m.
Updated February 26, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
Thunderstorms are expected in certain areas in the south of the province on Tuesday, which is not normal. Explanations.
Conducive context
The situation is unusual for the month of February. Thunderstorms are forecast over southwestern Ontario and Quebec Tuesday afternoon and evening. Storm cells would be present and active in our area. Severe thunderstorms are possible in Ontario and south of the border.
Thunder, lightning and possible tornado
We may see streaks in the sky, particularly near Gatineau and in Témiscamingue. A first impulse could lead to lightning in the skies of Quebec on Tuesday afternoon. A second pulse in the evening could also trigger severe thunderstorms in Ontario.
The instability could even lead to tornadoes. In fact, in the USA a risk has been expressed for sectors close to the border. The risk even extends to the gateway to southwestern Ontario, towards Windsor.
Abnormal situation
Do thunderstorms in February seem unusual to you? That's actually it. Although thunderstorms can occur in winter, the situation is rare. The stormiest months are also the hottest: July and August have the most storms of the year. The likelihood of severe weather is therefore directly linked to the exceptional mildness that will prevail in the province on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In collaboration with Kevin Cloutier, meteorologist.