It’s about to get cold in Ottawa, but first, more snow

Ottawa could see the coldest temperatures in three years this week, as a polar vortex moves into the region. CTV’s Katie Griffin reports.

The icy grip of winter is going to squeeze Ottawa with its full might this weekend.

Air temperatures of around -30 C are in the forecast starting Saturday morning, but we have at least one more day of milder weather before that happens, though it will be snowy at times.

Environment Canada’s forecast for Thursday calls for the temperature to hover around -3 C during the day. There is a 60 per cent chance of flurries in the morning, with more flurries and the risk of snow squalls in the afternoon. We could see about 2 to 4 centimetres of snow.

A special weather statement says bands of heavy snow are expected to impact the region Thursday afternoon, which could reduce visibility for travellers. The heavy snow is expected to shift north of the area this evening.

Then, the cold starts to move in.

“The coldest air of the season along with very cold wind chills is expected this weekend persisting into next week,” Environment Canada says.

The low overnight drops to -14 C with a wind chill of -22. Ther is a risk of snow squalls Thursday evening and a 30 per cent chance of flurries overnight. Another 2 cm is expected.

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

Friday’s forecast is partly cloudy with a high of -13 C and a wind chill near -25, with a 30 per cent chance of flurries. The low Friday night into Saturday morning drops down to -29 C before the wind chill.

Saturday’s forecast is sunny with a high of -18 C.

Sunday’s low is -30 C with a high of -18 C under a cloudy sky.

Cold prompting some schedule changes

The 613flea event at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park has been postponed due to the forecast.

“As Canadians we all love a brisk winter day (right?) - but hey, minus 30 degrees is pushing it,” organizers said on their website.

The event, that was to take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. has been postponed to the following Saturday, Jan. 31.

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