MONTREAL CLIMATE |
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Thanks to competing climactic influences, Montreal's climate is extremely
variable (both by season and from day to day) and is considered by its
citizens a part of the character of the city.
Precipitation is common throughout the year, with extensive snowfall in the
winter (2.14 metres per year on average) and regular rainfall throughout the
year. Frequent thundershowers make summer the wettest season statistically,
but it is also the sunniest.
The coldest month is January, with a daily average of -10.4°C (13°F), daily
maximum of -5.8°C (22°F), and daily minimum of -14.9°C (5°F). Because of
wind chill though, winter temperatures don't mean much, and wind chill
temperature is given instead in weather forecasts. The warmest is July, with
a daily average of 20.9°C (70°F), daily maximum of 26.3°C (79°F), and daily
minimum of 15.5°C (60°F). The extreme minimum ever recorded is -37.8°C
(-36°F), in January 1957, and the extreme maximum is 37.6°C (100°F) in
August 1975. |
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Moderate to high humidity is common in the summer, making it feel even
hotter. In spring and fall, temperatures and precipitation amounts are on
average between 55-94mm (2.5-4 inches) a month with the high end mostly in
the fall., although some snow in spring and fall is normal. Similarly, early
heat waves as well as "Indian summer" are a regular feature of the climate.
Despite its challenging climate, the Montreal region supports a diverse
array of plants and wildlife. The maple is one of the most common trees, and
the sugar maple in particular is an enduring symbol of Montreal and Quebec,
thanks to the production of maple syrup. |
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