Snowfall warning issued for Ottawa, with up to 20 cm of snow expected Wednesday

A runner makes their way along the banks of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Que., on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Ottawa is set to receive a blast of snowy, winter weather, with up to 20 centimetres of snow expected on Wednesday.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Ottawa and eastern Ontario, calling for 15 to 20 centimetres of snow and reduced visibility due to heavy and blowing snow.

The snow is expected to begin Wednesday morning.

“An Alberta clipper will bring snow across the area, which may be heavy at times beginning Wednesday morning,” Environment Canada said.

“The snow is expected to end from west to east through Wednesday night. Travel will likely be challenging. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.”

Environment Canada’s forecast calls for 2 to 4 cm of snow tonight, followed by another 10 to 15 cm of snow on Wednesday.

The snow is expected to start around 6 p.m. tonight and end at approximately 12 a.m., before the snow resumes at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The forecast calls for snow beginning this evening and ending after midnight. There is a risk of freezing drizzle overnight. Low -7 C with the wind chill making it feel like -12.

Wednesday will see snow beginning in the morning. Amount 10 to 15 cm. There is a risk of freezing drizzle in the morning. High -2 C.

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

Periods of snow continuing Wednesday night.

Thursday will be cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of flurries. High -7 C.

The outlook for Friday calls for a mix of sun and cloud. High -5 C.

Saturday will be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of flurries. High -6 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of -2 C and a low of -10 C.

City of Ottawa prepares for snow

Area Roads Manager Bryden Denyes says this winter started off with a bang and crews are ready for what’s coming.

"We’ve had some snow, some cold weather, and we’re looking at a fairly significant potential storm coming in here now. So, it is definitely we’re still in early December, but our crews are ready and waiting for this one," he told CTV News Ottawa.

Denyes says there will be more than 500 pieces of equipment deployed once the snow starts to accumulate.

“As soon as that snow starts falling and we see it sticking on the ground, we’re going to be deploying our resources out on our roadways and sidewalks,” he said. “And we’re really going to be focused on our priority road network and our sidewalks, as well as the winter cycling network.”

Denyes is asking residents to give snow-clearing operators space to do their work and to be cautious if travelling.

“Anybody that’s out walking, cycling or driving really needs to be prepared for those conditions, make additional plans and prepare to be potentially a little bit late. So, give yourself extra travel time and just remember there will be slippery conditions and really drive and walk and cycle to those conditions.”

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Leah Larocque