Snowfall warning calls for up to 25 cm of snow for Ottawa

Environment Canada says Ottawa can expect up to 25 centimetres of snow and as CTV’s Jackie Perez reports, slippery conditions are also expected.

A winter storm could disrupt travel across Ottawa on Thursday, with up to 25 centimetres of snow expected.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Ottawa, calling for 15 to 25 cm of snow tonight and tomorrow.

“A developing low-pressure system will bring significant snowfall to much of southern Ontario,” the weather agency said in a statement.

“A sharp temperature drop leading to cold wind chills by Thursday morning, during ongoing snowfall, will add to the adverse weather conditions. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic.”

Environment Canada says snow will begin at 10 p.m. and continue through Thursday. Ottawa could see 2 to 4 cm of snow tonight, with more snow on Thursday.

The snow and cold temperatures return to Ottawa after seven straight days of temperatures at or above 0 C.

Ontario Provincial Police are warning motorists to expect changing road conditions.

“Expect a quick freeze as temperatures drop this evening and be prepared to see significant snow overnight and throughout the day on Thursday. Driving will be messy,” the OPP said on X.

“Give yourself extra time, clear all the snow from your vehicle, including headlights and taillights (repeat as necessary), keep those headlights turned on (to ensure you have lights at the back of your vehicle), slow down and leave extra following distance.”

Ottawa has already received 29.6 cm of snow in January. A total of 8.8 cm of snow fell on Saturday, with another 1.2 cm of snow on Sunday and 4.6 cm on Monday.

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

Ottawa forecast

The forecast calls for snow tonight. Amount 2 to 4 cm. Low -13 C with the wind chill making it feel like -23 overnight.

Snow will continue on Thursday. The temperature steady near -12 C.

Friday will see periods of snow. High -5 C.

The outlook for Saturday calls for cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of flurries. High -3 C.

Sunday will be cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of flurries. High -8 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of -6 C and a low of -16 C.