Montreal on severe thunderstorm watch with gusts of up to 110 km/h and torrential rains
Posted July 14, 2026 6:53 am.
Last Updated July 14, 2026 1:48 pm.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a yellow watch for severe thunderstorms in the Greater Montreal area.
Thunderstorms capable of producing strong gusts, large hail and heavy rain are possible Tuesday afternoon and evening. The Eastern Townships are also on a tornado watch.
“We’re looking at winds about 100 to 110 km/h, which can bring down trees, power lines, so you could expect some local power outages as well,” said Kate Leclerc, a meteorologist with ECCC.
“We’re expecting some torrential rain,” Leclerc added. “Thunderstorms are moving fast, but they are producing a lot of rain even though they’re moving fast.”
Leclerc said that some minor flooding had been already reported in the Eastern Townships after the thunderstorms late Tuesday morning.
Caution urged
Forecasters warn that it can be dangerous to be on bodies of water during thunderstorms. They also recommend going indoors when there are thunder and lightning which can be fatal.
Hydro-Québec also warned that severe weather could cause power outages.
“We encourage customers to have an emergency kit ready with essentials such as drinking water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, blankets and any necessary medications,” said Jonathan Petit, a spokesperson for the utility company. “Customers can also protect their electronic devices from any overvoltage‑related damage when service is restored by plugging them into a surge‑protected power bar.”
Barbecues, camping stoves or gasoline generators meant for outdoor use should not be used inside, even during a power outage as they produce deadly carbon monoxide.
Leclerc added that most of the province was under several thunderstorm watches. Some areas in the Quebec City and Trois-Rivières were on severe thunderstorm alerts, which are warnings issued to smaller areas and closer to the event compared to the generalized warnings when a watch is issued.
Forecast for rest of the week
Overall, Tuesday will see a mix of sun and cloud and gusty with 50 km/h-winds in the morning. There is a 40 per cent chance of showers and thunderstorm late afternoon. Temperatures will be a high of 33 Celsius with a humidex of 42 as well as very high UV levels and a low of 20 C.
Severe thunderstorm is likely in the evening but showers or thunderstorms are expected to end around midnight.
Wednesday will be sunny with a high of 29 C with a humidex of 33 and have clear skies in the evening with a low of 19 C.
Wet weather returns Thursday with a mix of sun and clouds and a 60 per cent chance of showers for a high of 26 C. But clouds clear by the evening for a low of 16 C.
Friday’s forecast is sunny with a high of 26 C and a low of 19 C.
