Snow squall watch issued for Ottawa

Snow blankets a residential street in Barrhaven on Thursday. Environment Canada says Ottawa could see up to 35 cm of snow. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

It will be a snowy start to the second weekend of Winterlude, with up to 10 centimetres of snow expected today and tonight.

A yellow watch - snow squall was issued in the afternoon, saying residents can expect brief periods of very poor visibility in bursts of heavy snow and northwest winds gusting to 60 km/h, leading to blowing snow.

A yellow watch is when conditions are favourable for hazardous weather with effects that are considered moderate, localized and/or short-term.

“Snow squalls associated with a sharp southeastward-moving Arctic cold front will affect portions of central and eastern Ontario. Brief periods of very poor visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow may occur, followed by rapidly falling temperatures,” Environment Canada said.

“Due to the brief nature of the snow squalls, heavy snowfall accumulations are not expected. Very poor visibility and hazardous travel conditions will be the primary hazards. Visibility may be suddenly reduced to near zero at times.”

Environment Canada’s forecast calls for two centimetres of snow today, with another five to 10 centimetres of snow expected tonight. Snow is expected to continue on Saturday.

The forecast calls for flurries with a risk of snow squalls late this evening and overnight, with total accumulation of 5 to 10 cm. Low -18 C with a wind chill of -29 overnight.

Saturday will see light snow and local blowing snow. High -15 C.

Sunshine is expected on Sunday. High -15 C.

The outlook for Monday calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of flurries. High -11 C.

A mix of sun and cloud is expected on Tuesday. High -8 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of -5 C and a low of -14 C.

Cold warning

Environment Canada has issued a yellow warning – cold for parts of eastern Ontario, including Deep River, Pembroke, Petawawa, Renfrew, Arnprior, Calabogie, and the area covering Cobourg, Belleville, and Kingston.

It calls for a “prolonged period of very cold wind chills” tonight into Saturday and Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Environment Canada says the wind chill will make it feel like -30 overnight.

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