Environment Canada issues special weather statement for heavy snow, freezing rain in Ottawa

Two geese on a mild day in Ottawa. March 20, 2026. (CTV News Ottawa)

Environment Canada has issued its second special weather statement of the week for the Ottawa area, warning of heavy snow and possible freezing rain on Saturday.

Environment Canada issued the statement shortly after 11 a.m., stating that Ottawa is due for 5 to 12 centimetres of snow beginning late this afternoon, which could mix with freezing rain in the evening.

“An Alberta Clipper will spread snow across the region. Snow will begin for areas east of Georgian Bay late this afternoon before reaching eastern Ontario later this evening,” Environment Canada wrote.

“The snow may become mixed with freezing rain or freezing drizzle tonight before coming to an end Sunday morning.”

Snow accumulation may make roads and walkways difficult to navigate, and Environment Canada says drivers should give themselves extra time to arrive at their destination, as roads may also become icy.

On Thursday, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for a snowstorm that brought 6 centimetres of snow down on Ottawa on Friday, the first day of spring.

• Hourly and 7-day forecast on our CTVNewsOttawa.ca weather hub

Forecast

According to Environment Canada’s weather forecast, it will be cloudy in the evening, and snow is expected to begin in the late evening at around 11 p.m.

There is a risk of freezing drizzle before morning.

Environment Canada predicts a temperature low of -2 C, and 5 to 12 centimetres of snow overnight and into Sunday morning.

On Sunday, expect a temperature high of 1 C.

Monday’s forecast calls for a 30 per cent chance of flurries and a temperature high of 1 C.

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