Published on May 1, 2024 at 9:23 p.m.
A period which does not bode well for the future. Explanations.
In short:
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Above normal temperatures in April;
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Disappointment for the impression of spring warmth;
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Last fortnight below normal.
Watchword: gentleness
In Montreal, April becomes the fifth consecutive month with temperatures above normal. Note, however, that the mildness was less remarkable than in previous months. According to Réjean Ouimet, meteorologist, the entire season should end in an abnormally mild manner again this year.
“Spring becomes the ninth consecutive season above normal,” explains Réjean Ouimet. May will never be able to undo what March and April built in terms of abnormal heat. This spring will end up being one of the warmest. »
April in two stages
In terms of temperatures, April really happened in two stages. The first portion was marked by a positive anomaly of 3.5°C for Montreal. However, the impression of a mild month was overshadowed by the last fortnight which turned out to be colder than normal. In fact, this period did not give rise to any heat surge worthy of the name nor any more or less long sequence of good weather.
“The heat appeared in the first half of the month just after a spell of snow,” relates Réjean Ouimet. The only one of the month around April 4. The second half of the month does not offer the usual warming of about 4 degrees compared to the first half of April. This is the 3rd month after February and March to offer this contrary to normal scenario of warming heading towards the summer season. »
Good and bad news
Precipitation was a little more abundant in the west of the province, but nothing exceptional. In other regions, the systems have been less generous. Remember that the winter was very stingy with snow in Quebec and the snow cover quickly disappeared. Therefore, flooding does not pose a threat. However, the situation will need to be monitored closely for fires. We will remember that the fires degenerated in May 2023.
“The absence of heavy rains and bouts of late snow makes this month of April an overall quiet month,” continues Réjean Ouimet. Above normal for the quantity and number of days of precipitation for southern and western Quebec, but in deficit elsewhere. The result: we are experiencing a minor flood season to date. Conversely, Quebec has experienced twice as many vegetation fires since the start of the season and almost double the area affected compared to the average of recent years. »
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