Ottawa braces for unseasonably warm weekend; Sunday could hit record highs as residents enjoy last taste of summer before fall.
Ottawa to Sizzle This Weekend
Ottawa residents are preparing for an unusually warm weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching record highs. Environment Canada forecasts highs of 25 °C on Friday, 26 °C on Saturday, and up to 28 °C on Sunday, surpassing the normal 16 °C expected for this time of year. Monday will remain warm, with a high of 27 °C. Meteorologist Geoff Coulson noted the potential for Sunday’s temperature to break the 1991 record of 27 °C.
Southern Airflow Brings Exceptional Heat
The unseasonable warmth is attributed to a flow of warm air from the southern U.S. into eastern Ontario. “This is going to be highly unusual weather that we’re expecting, temperature-wise, for the coming days,” Coulson said. The hot spell is expected to ease by the middle of next week, giving Ottawa a brief final taste of summer before autumn sets in.
Local Businesses Gear Up for Crowds
Ottawa’s hospitality sector is welcoming the sunny skies. Restaurants and breweries anticipate packed patios and increased revenue. Rob McIsaac, co-founder of Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, said, “It’s pretty exciting, all smiles over here. You’re probably looking at an extra couple thousand dollars a day for every nice patio day that we get, which is big numbers.”
Persistent Dry Conditions Cause Concerns
September’s warmth coincided with a third consecutive month of below-average rainfall in eastern Ontario. Conservation authorities across the region have issued ongoing low water level statements and are urging residents to conserve water. The dry spell has already contributed to incidents such as the forest fire in North Dundas amid a township burn ban. Local farmers, including pumpkin growers, report challenges for their harvests due to the dry conditions.
October Promises Mild Weather
Looking ahead, Coulson predicts that October will remain dry and warmer than usual, with daytime highs of 12–13 °C compared to the normal 9 °C. November is also expected to be milder. However, the meteorologist cautioned that current weather trends do not reliably indicate the severity or pattern of the upcoming winter.
A Brief Pause Before Fall
For Ottawa residents, this weekend represents a final opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities under summer-like conditions before the seasonal chill arrives. While record-breaking temperatures may be fleeting, the impact on local businesses and outdoor recreation is already tangible.
