Published on 1 never 2025 to 23h27
In May, this is only the beginning. Forecast.
Early season
On April 29, southern Quebec was the target of violent storms. These events have caused damage and it is the strength of the wind that is originally. It is an early start to the season. Around May 5, the first thunderstorms alerts were issued by Environment Canada and the first tornadoes were observed in early June.
“The month of May will close the spring of 2025 in catch -up mode with regard to heat,” explains Réjean Ouimet, meteorologist. The deep character of the season so far opens the door to weather events that could be remarkable. We are talking about thunderstorms. The months of recent May encourage us to think that the situation could be quite volatile still this year. The number of average days with thunderstorms and the number of days with violent time have been increasing for a few years. »»
Contexte favorable
To develop, thunderstorms need specific ingredients. The energy that supplies stormy cells is made up of heat and humidity. In May, a contrast between two air masses can lift this energy and generate thunderstorms. This hot and humid air pumping usually comes from rapprochement from the Bermuda high pressure. The presence of cold air can cause this uprising. In the case of the passage of a particularly vigorous front, as was the case on April 29, violent time can manifest itself. Therefore, temperature switching can promote these events.
“A month of May marked by cold interruptions and changing weather conditions with regard to temperatures would be provocative of thunderstorms and violent time. With the heat amplified in May, it is the door open to thunderstorms. »»
Less thunderstorms
Depending on models and the longer term overview, a sequence of good weather could have the effect of reducing the number of days with thunderstorms in Quebec. On average, it is almost half of May which presents a stormy activity. A quieter and more stable period would give a respite to the beautiful province. During this sequence which would start from the second week of the month, zonal circulation is anticipated. Therefore, strong winds at altitude which promote an air intake from the West. However, the activity could resume later and open the door to violent time during the last two weeks of May.
A key element
Hot summer days are sometimes the scene of violent time in Quebec. A phenomenon promotes this stormy activity: the belt of fire. This expression designates the perimeter of a heat of heat which forms in the south of the United States. This intense area of hot air can go northeast and get closer to Quebec. In this case, the circle of fire becomes thunderstorm activity generator due to the important contrast of air masses thus created.
