Ottawa may experience its first real snowfall of the season as temperatures dip below freezing this weekend, marking the beginning of wintry conditions for the capital.
According to Environment Canada, rain will begin on Friday with a daytime high near 4°C. Showers are expected to taper off by evening, although light rain may continue through the night.
On Saturday, temperatures will hover just above 0°C before slightly rising as clouds part and some sunshine returns. Wind gusts could reach up to 20 km/h.
By late Saturday night and into Sunday morning, temperatures are forecast to fall to -6°C, increasing the chances of flurries.
Sunday is expected to bring snow and highs near 0°C, falling to -3°C overnight. This marks the first measurable snowfall of the season, though light flakes earlier in the week melted quickly.
“It’s the first possibility of snow this season, although some flakes fell earlier but did not stick around,” Environment Canada reported.
By Monday night, temperatures are projected to drop to around -13°C, offering Ottawa residents their first proper taste of winter. Typical temperatures for this time of year are about 7°C during the day and -1°C overnight.
Forecasters warn that cooler-than-normal temperatures could persist into next week, signaling that winter may arrive slightly ahead of schedule.
Author’s summary: Ottawa faces its first winter chill this weekend, with light snow, subzero nights, and temperatures plunging well below seasonal norms.