How do the Great Lakes influence Montreal’s climate?

Montreal experiences a continental climate that is significantly modified by its proximity to the Great Lakes in combination with prevailing westerly winds.12

This influence affects the region in the following ways:

• Temperature Moderation: The Great Lakes absorb large quantities of heat during warmer months and release it into the atmosphere during colder months, which helps moderate temperatures in both summer and winter.13
• Precipitation: The prevailing winds and the Great Lakes influence the city's precipitation patterns, contributing to a relatively even distribution of moisture throughout the year, totaling approximately 41 inches (1,050 mm) annually. Additionally, air masses moving through the region pick up water vapor from the Great Lakes, which supports the city's overall precipitation levels.14

While the Great Lakes help temper the climate, Montreal still experiences the typical characteristics of a continental climate, including cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers.12