Ottawa could see 20-40 cm of snow later this week

The view of the Rideau Canal Skateway from the Corktown Footbridge in Ottawa. (Andrew Adlington/CTV News Ottawa)

The City of Ottawa could see the biggest snowfall of the season this week, with 20 to 40 centimetres of snow expected heading into the Family Day long weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, warning of a “highly impactful winter storm” that will hit Ottawa Wednesday evening into Thursday.

“Significant amounts of snow are possible late Wednesday into Thursday across a large portion of southern Ontario due to a strong low pressure system,” the weather agency said.

“At this point, the path of the low-pressure system is still uncertain which will affect exact snowfall amounts.”

The winter storm is expected to hit most of southern Ontario, with 10 to 40 cm of snow expected to fall across the region.

Ottawa has received 23.6 cm of snow so far in February, including 4 cm of snow on Saturday and Sunday. A total of 37.9 cm of snow was recorded at the Ottawa Airport in January.

The largest snowfall of the winter of 2024-25 in Ottawa Dec. 6-8, when 24 cm of snow fell.

The forecast calls for Ottawa to see 2 cm of snow on Tuesday.

Ottawa forecast

Partly cloudy tonight. Low -11 C, with the wind chill making it feel like -16.

Tuesday will see flurries beginning in the morning. High -4 C.

Wednesday will be sunny. High -9 C.

The outlook for Thursday calls for snow. High -6 C.

Friday will see a mix of sun and cloud. High -8 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of -4 C and a low of -14 C.