Today’s Forecast: A Slippery Day Ahead
Ottawa is under a Freezing Rain Warning, with patchy, light freezing rain expected to start later this morning. Temperatures are currently a frosty -7.8°C, with a wind chill making it feel like -15°C. Winds are coming in from the east-northeast at 19 km/h, gusting to 28 km/h, keeping the chill factor high. The pressure is 102.2 kPa and falling, indicating the approaching weather system.
As the day progresses, the freezing rain will likely transition to freezing drizzle in the afternoon, persisting into Sunday morning. Roads, walkways, and parking lots will be treacherously slippery, so take extra care while traveling or stepping outdoors. Highs will climb slightly to -2°C, with the wind chill easing to -6°C by afternoon.
Tonight: Freezing Drizzle and Fog
The freezing drizzle continues tonight, eventually mixing with regular drizzle overnight. Fog patches will develop near midnight, reducing visibility and making for an eerily damp evening. The temperature will hold steady around -2°C, with a wind chill of -6°C lingering into the evening.
Sunday, December 29: A Rainy Shift
Sunday will see periods of drizzle or freezing drizzle wrapping up by morning. However, the moisture isn’t going anywhere, with rain showers starting in the afternoon. East winds will pick up to 20 km/h, and temperatures will climb significantly to a high of 7°C—practically balmy compared to today. Rain continues into the night, with temperatures remaining above freezing at 4°C.
Monday, December 30: Cloudy and Damp
Monday stays mild with a high of 5°C and a 60% chance of showers throughout the day. By night, the rain will taper off slightly, with a low of 1°C.
Tuesday, December 31: Cloudy with Rain or Snow
New Year’s Eve will bring more clouds and a 40% chance of rain or snow. Highs will hover around 3°C, making outdoor celebrations chilly but manageable with the right gear.
Wednesday, January 1: Mixed Precipitation for the New Year
The first day of 2025 will bring a mix of snow or rain, with temperatures peaking at 2°C. Flurries are likely to take over during the evening as the low drops to -4°C.
Historical Weather Trivia
On December 28, Ottawa’s warmest recorded high was 10.2°C in 1982, while the coldest was a bone-chilling -30.6°C in 1977. While today’s -2°C doesn’t break records, it offers an icy reminder of Canadian winters.
Wardrobe Wisdom
If you’re stepping outside, prioritize warm, waterproof layers and footwear with excellent grip. Freezing rain and drizzle call for umbrellas, but don’t forget gloves and scarves to battle the wind chill.
META Description: Freezing Rain Warning in Ottawa! Slick conditions expected with freezing drizzle lingering into Sunday. Stay prepared for icy roads and chilly winds.
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