Cold temperatures in Ottawa on New Year’s Eve with flurries as the clock strikes midnight

The Rideau Canal is pictured in Ottawa. Dec. 30, 2025. (CTV News Ottawa)

Temperatures in the negative double-digits will grip the capital on the final day of 2025.

Environment Canada’s weather forecast calls for sunshine during the day Wednesday with a high of -10 C and a wind chill of -13.

The forecast predicts a temperature of -16 C with a wind chill of -22 when the first 3.4 kilometres of the Rideau Canal Skateway open at 8 a.m.

As you ring in 2026, expect clouds and flurries to move in. The forecast for Wednesday night calls for about 2 centimetres of snow with an overnight low of -18 C and a wind chill of -28 with a risk of frostbite. The hourly forecast calls for a temperature around -14 C with a wind chill of -22 at midnight, with a strong chance of flurries.

The new year will begin with a cold, sunny day. The high is -15 C with a wind chill of -28 in the morning and -21 in the afternoon on Thursday.

Friday’s outlook is cloudy with a high of -8 C.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App