Mixed weather marks the start of summer in Montreal

A motorist drives through standing water in Montreal. A heavy rainfall warning is in effect across Quebec. (Graham Hughes/ The Canadian Press)

The official start of summer will come with more mixed weather for Montreal.

A few showers and a low of 15 C are expected on Friday night.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) also notes a possible thunderstorm risk, which could continue through Saturday.

A mainly cloudy start to Saturday could then lead to 3 millimetres of showers and a high of 21 C in the afternoon.

Similar conditions are forecasted for Sunday, though it could be slightly warmer with a daytime high of 23 C.

The first day of summer, June 21, could also bring roughly 5 millimeters of showers.

The region is expected to hold on to 23 C as the daytime high for Monday.

However, another mix of sun and showers could then start the week.

Some summer activities taking a hit

With all the rain, summer activities are taking a hit. The season at Golf Dorval has been sub par.

“It’s wet all over and windy,” said vice-president Edgar Rouleau.

The stormy weather also forced the closure of the whole course recently, he added.

“On the regular day, we’ll probably make about $10,000 in green fees, cart rental and purchases at The Pro Shop.”

Each day the course is closed costs them a lot of money and the closures are adding up, Rouleau said.

“We always calculate in a year that we’re going to lose about 10 days in a year. But, right now, we’re probably past the 10 days.”

The weather forecast for Father’s Day weekend isn’t looking much better, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Simon Legault.

“So the weekend, again, we’ll see some risk of precipitation. And I would say, that’s the whole forecast that we can expect for next week,” he said.

With that kind of forecast, people aren’t showing up at outdoor pools. Pool supervisor Anthony Stock said despite being heated, Surrey Pool in Dorval North is quiet.

“The temperature of the pool is about 28 degrees. We are one of the few outdoor pools in the West Island that has outdoor heating at our outdoor pools. So, we encourage all our clients to come and use the facility, rain or shine, hot or cold,” Stock said.

Yet, Aquafit enthusiast Sonia Barnes-Huggins says she considers safety before putting on her swimsuit.

“Because the minute there’s rain, there could be lightning. And then you get there and they say ‘out of the pool.’ When the weather stops you, it’s a drag,” Barnes-Huggins said.

Back at Golf Dorval, some folks aren’t worried about the weather and still play through the rain. Golfer Peter McGarry says his round was reasonable.

“It was a little soggy, a little windy, but it was good,” he said.

His friend, Graham Currie, added: “You get out of bed, you look at the street and if it’s wet, you make a decision and if you have any guts, you come out and play.”

“A little rain never hurt no one!” said Robin Sauve with a smile.