Warm, risk of showers to kick off the new week in Ottawa

The tulips begin to bloom along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa on Sunday, May 4. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)

You will want to keep the rain gear nearby for most of the week in Ottawa, but temperatures are set to warm up to 20 C next weekend.

Ottawa enjoyed above-normal temperatures during the first weekend of May, with the temperature hitting 21 C on Friday and 20 C on Sunday.

The forecast calls for a mainly cloudy day today with a 40 per cent chance of showers late this morning and this afternoon. High 18 C.

Showers beginning this evening. Low 12 C.

Tuesday will be cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers. Showers beginning late in the afternoon with the risk of a thunderstorm. High 21 C.

Wednesday will see mainly cloudy skies with a 60 per cent chance of showers. High 16 C.

The outlook for Thursday calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 15 C.

Friday will be sunny. High 19 C.

The long-range forecast calls for sunshine on the weekend, with highs of 21 C Saturday and 20 C on Sunday.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 17 C and a low of 6 C.

Warm May

The temperature hitting 20 C on Sunday is a preview of the warm May in the forecast for Ottawa.

Environment Canada’s monthly temperature forecast calls for above-seasonal temperatures in Ottawa and eastern Ontario over the next four weeks.