Montreal's Halloween celebrations are about to get a serious soaking, with Environment Canada sounding the alarm for what could be one of the wettest All Hallows' Eve in recent memory.
A significant rainfall warning has been issued for the Montreal area, with forecasters predicting between 30 to 50 millimetres of rain starting Tuesday afternoon and continuing through Wednesday morning. The timing couldn't be worse for ghostly gatherings and candy-seeking adventures.
Timing Is Everything - And It's All Wrong
The heaviest downpours are expected to coincide perfectly with prime trick-or-treating hours Tuesday evening. Environment Canada meteorologists warn that the rain will intensify throughout the day, potentially creating hazardous conditions for little witches, superheroes, and ghosts navigating neighborhood streets.
"The rainfall will be heavy at times, especially Tuesday evening into the overnight period," the weather agency cautioned in their official statement.
Wind Adds to the Spooky Atmosphere
As if the rain wasn't enough drama, strong southwesterly winds are expected to join the party, with gusts potentially reaching up to 60 km/h. This could mean:
- Flying witch hats and compromised costumes
- Difficult umbrella handling for parents
- Reduced visibility for drivers in residential areas
- Potential for localized flooding in low-lying areas
Regional Impact Beyond Montreal
The weather woes extend across southwestern Quebec, with similar warnings in effect for:
- Châteauguay - La Prairie area
- Laval region
- Longueuil - Varennes area
Residents across these regions are advised to prepare for similar conditions and consider alternative Halloween plans.
Safety First for Trick-or-Treaters
With the challenging weather conditions, safety should be the top priority for Halloween revelers. Consider these adjustments to traditional festivities:
- Plan indoor Halloween activities as backups
- Ensure costumes are visible and weather-appropriate
- Use reflective tape or glow sticks for better visibility
- Check local community centers for indoor events
- Be prepared to cut trick-or-treating short if conditions worsen
The silver lining? Temperatures will remain relatively mild, hovering around 9°C during the evening hours, at least sparing Montrealers from dealing with freezing conditions alongside the rain.
As the city braces for a soggy Halloween, residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and make smart decisions to ensure everyone stays safe while salvaging whatever spooky spirit they can from what promises to be a very damp celebration.
