New blizzard warning kicks off Canada’s unofficial start to summer
Another blizzard warning is in effect as we head into the May long weekend
A fresh blizzard warning is in effect as we head into the long weekend marking the unofficial start of Canada’s summer season.
Heavy snow and whipping winds prompted the blizzard warning for portions of Quebec, arriving just days after a heat wave built over portions of the province.
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Blizzard warning with up to 25 cm of snow expected
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued the blizzard warning for some locations in northern Quebec through this weekend, covering Kangiqsujuaq-Raglan Lake and Quaqtaq.
A deepening low-pressure system near Hudson Bay will push into cold air locked in place over northern reaches of the province. Strong winds combined with heavy snowfall will lead to blizzard conditions at times this weekend.
“Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow,” ECCC said in their warning for the region.
A snowstorm turns into a blizzard when winds of 40 km/h or greater reduce visibilities to 400 metres or less for at least 4 consecutive hours.
Warnings arrive with the unofficial kickoff of summer
This is Canada’s fourth blizzard warning so far this month—and the third for this portion of northern Quebec since May 8. These northern communities combined are home to more than 1,000 people.
MUST SEE: Canada's unofficial kickoff to summer won't feel like it for most
The May long weekend is often considered the unofficial kickoff to the summer season across the country. We’ve already seen summer-like conditions throughout the Prairies and Central Canada.
Southern Quebec experienced a heat wave this week. The community of Emerson, Man., hit 37.8°C on Sunday, May 11, marking the country's hottest temperature ever recorded so early in the year.