Explosive Weather System to Bring Heavy Rain, Snow, and High Winds Across Eastern North America
A powerful weather bomb is set to form over eastern North America this week, bringing a mix of rain, snow, freezing rain, and damaging winds. This explosive low-pressure system will impact parts of the United States and Eastern Canada, with the potential for hazardous travel conditions and power outages.
The system will undergo explosive cyclogenesis, where its central pressure drops by 24 millibars or more within 24 hours, a phenomenon usually observed over the oceans. However, this unique event will take place over land, developing in the mid-Atlantic United States and tracking into Quebec.
Timeline and Impacts
- Midweek Development: The low-pressure system will form over Virginia early Wednesday, drawing in warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. Rain will begin Tuesday night across southern and eastern Ontario and southern Quebec, with the heaviest rainfall expected in eastern Ontario and Quebec.
- Snow and Freezing Rain: As Arctic air moves into the region, Wednesday’s rain will transition into heavy snow by late evening and continue into Thursday. Freezing rain may also develop along the rain-snow boundary, particularly in northern Quebec and Labrador.
- Wind and Power Outages: Gusts of up to 100 km/h are forecast for eastern Quebec and Atlantic Canada, beginning overnight Wednesday and intensifying through Thursday. These winds bring a risk of localized power outages.
Atlantic Canada
By Thursday, the system will shift into Atlantic Canada, delivering widespread rain that will persist into Friday. While snow is unlikely for this region, strong winds and localized flooding remain concerns.
Travel and Safety Precautions
The combination of rain, snow, and freezing rain will create slippery road conditions and icy surfaces, especially in areas transitioning from rain to snow. Residents are advised to monitor local weather alerts and exercise caution while traveling.
As the system departs, Arctic air will sweep into the region, rapidly ending the mild midweek temperatures by Friday.
