Monday Morning Light Rain with a Breezy Twist
Ottawa is waking up to light rain, a cool 4°C, and a somewhat moody atmosphere. Observations at the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport at 6:00 AM show full humidity at 100%, so you might feel like you’re swimming in the air! The barometric pressure is at 99.6 kPa and falling, which hints at more dynamic weather on the way. The wind is currently a gentle NNW at 5 km/h, but it won’t stay that way for long. Visibility is reduced to 1.2 km due to the rain.
As the day progresses, expect a cloudy sky with a 40% chance of rain showers in the morning and early afternoon. By the afternoon, the rain will flirt with some snow, pushed along by southwesterly winds picking up to 20 km/h and gusting to 40 km/h. The temperature will dip to 3°C, so keep a sturdy umbrella and a cozy raincoat handy. With a UV index of 1, sunscreen can take a day off.
Tonight: Rain, Snow, and Cloudy Skies
Rain mixed with snow will end this evening, giving way to a cloudy sky with lingering chances of flurries or rain showers. Southwest winds will mellow to a light breeze after midnight, keeping the temperature steady at 1°C. It’s the perfect excuse to stay indoors with a warm drink and watch the weather unfold.
Looking Ahead: A Cloudy New Year’s Eve and Snowy Start to 2025
Tuesday, December 31, will bring overcast skies and a high of 4°C. Winds will remain light, making for a more serene day overall. As the clock ticks towards midnight, cloudy skies and a 60% chance of snow set the stage for a magical (and chilly) countdown, with lows around 0°C.
New Year’s Day will feature periods of snow with temperatures hovering around 1°C. By January 2, snow tapers off into flurries, and temperatures slide to a high of -1°C, dipping to a brisk -10°C overnight.
Historical Highs and Lows
For December 30, Ottawa’s historical high is a balmy 8.3°C, set in 1984, while the record low plunges to a frosty -31.7°C, recorded back in 1933. Today’s temperatures sit comfortably in the middle, offering a reminder of Ottawa’s weather variability.
Wardrobe Wisdom
Layer up with waterproof gear to stay dry during rain showers, and throw in some warm layers as temperatures drop. Sturdy, insulated boots will keep you steady on potentially slushy ground.
Weather Trivia:
Did you know Ottawa’s Parliament Hill has seen its fair share of snow-covered winter celebrations? The city’s average snowfall in December is 48 cm, ensuring a snowy setting for New Year’s festivities more often than not.
