Ottawa is heading into a sharp winter chill this week, with snowfall midweek followed by plunging temperatures that could dip as low as -28 C by the weekend, according to Environment Canada.
The capital will see a relatively calm start Tuesday, with a mix of sun and clouds and a daytime high near -10 C. There is a chance of scattered flurries later in the afternoon, with temperatures dropping to -13 C overnight. Wind chill values are expected to make it feel closer to -20.
Snow is forecast to arrive Wednesday around midday, with Environment Canada predicting up to two centimetres of accumulation. Temperatures will remain cold, with a daytime high near -7 C, and snowfall is expected to continue into the evening.
Conditions moderate slightly on Thursday, with a mix of sun and cloud and a chance of flurries. Daytime highs are forecast around -5 C, though overnight temperatures will fall to approximately -18.
Colder air settles in toward the end of the week. Friday is expected to bring more cloud cover and a high of -13 C, followed by a frigid overnight low near -27.
Saturday is shaping up to be the coldest day of the week, with sunny skies but a daytime high of only -19 C. Overnight temperatures could drop to -28 C, making it one of the coldest nights of the season so far. Sunday night lows are expected to hover around -23.
Seasonal averages for this time of year in Ottawa are a daytime high of -6 C and an overnight low of -16, meaning temperatures this weekend will be well below normal.
Residents are encouraged to dress for extreme cold, limit time outdoors during peak overnight hours, and take precautions for pets, vehicles, and home heating systems as the deep freeze sets in.
