Ottawa is set for a snowy day before a “highly impactful winter storm” brings up to 40 cm of snow just ahead of the Family Day long weekend.
“This is the biggest one of the winter,” said Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips on Tuesday.
A Winter Storm Watch was issued Tuesday morning, warning that a major storm will hit the region from Wednesday evening into Thursday.
“Confidence is increasing that a major winter storm will affect portions of southern and northeastern Ontario,” the weather agency said.
While the exact snowfall amounts remain uncertain, strong northeasterly winds gusting up to 50 km/h will cause blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Ottawa is forecasted to receive 20 to 40 cm of snow, potentially making it the city’s largest snowstorm of the season. The previous record for winter 2024-25 was set from Dec. 6-8, when 24 cm fell.
The storm watch also covers Cornwall, Prescott-Russell, Smiths Falls, Perth, Arnprior, Renfrew, and the Ottawa Valley. A special weather statement is in effect for Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, and Toronto, predicting up to 15 cm of snow from Wednesday into Thursday.
“It’s going to strengthen through the Mississippi Valley and come into Ontario,” Phillips told Newstalk 580 CFRA.
“Ottawa is lucky because it’s just snow. In parts of southern Ontario, like Toronto, London, and Windsor, it could be a tricky mix of rain, freezing rain, or snow. I’d rather take the chance of 20-plus centimetres of snow.”
More snow is expected on Saturday.
“It’s kind of a parade of storms coming from the United States,” Phillips said. “You are the snowiest national capital in the world—this is just what you expect.”
Since December 1, Ottawa has received 123.9 cm of snow.
“This is what I call an honest winter,” Phillips added. “It was slow to arrive, but when it did, we got a white Christmas. The total snowfall so far is about 85% of what Ottawa typically sees by this time because fewer systems have come from the U.S.”
No significant melting temperatures are expected in Ottawa over the next two weeks.
Ottawa Weather Forecast
- Tuesday: Flurries, 2 cm. High -5°C.
- Tonight: Clear, low -21°C, wind chill -28°C overnight.
- Wednesday: Sunny, increasing cloudiness in the afternoon. High -10°C.
- Wednesday Night & Thursday: Snow begins, high -3°C.
- Friday: Sunny, high -5°C.
- Saturday: Periods of snow.
The average high for this time of year is -4°C, with a low of -13°C.
Source: Swifteradio.com
