Montreal Blog # 2

     Montreal is affected by mP, cP, mT and cA air masses.  The mP mass is from the Icelandic Low that flows in from the east, both the cP and cA come from north.  The warm mT moves up from the Gulf of Mexico.  The polar jet stream runs between the warm mT and cold cP, cA and mP air masses.

North American Map of Air Masses

Mid latitude cyclogenesis does occur in this region.  As the warm moist moves up and the colder air masses move down cold occluded form.  This type of occlusion is more common within the continental regions like Montreal.

Today's Temperature Map - This shows a ridge of high pressure reaching up in to the Edmonton area and a trough ( rosi wave) of cold air over the Montreal area.  The boundary between the warm and cold air at the trough is where cyclogenesis could potentially occur .

Cold Occluded Front

Montreal has a higher humidity due to the surrounding rivers .  Summers are generally hot and humid while winters a cold and snowy.  Ice storms do occur here also.  Snow cover lasts from early December to late March.  Overall nothing unique weather wise form the region.

References:
The Runner Scientist : http://therunningscientist.blogspot.com/2009/12/air-masses.html
The Weather Network: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/fourteenday/caqc0363/table?ref=tabs_14day_table
Martin, Bruce http://www.rossway.net/occludedfrnt.htm