Bundle Up, Ottawa — The Cold Snap Isn't Done Yet
Ottawa residents woke up to another chilly morning as below-average temperatures continue to grip the capital, with forecasters warning the cool stretch isn't over quite yet.
While May typically ushers in warmer, more inviting conditions across the region, this week has felt more like early April. Thermometers have been sitting several degrees below seasonal norms, leaving Ottawans reaching back into their closets for sweaters and light jackets they thought they'd packed away for the season.
According to Environment Canada data, the Ottawa area has been experiencing temperatures that fall short of the historical average for this time of year. The pattern is expected to persist for at least one more day before conditions begin to moderate.
What's Causing the Chill?
A slow-moving system pulling cooler air down from the north has been responsible for the persistent below-normal readings. While it hasn't brought dramatic weather events like late-season snow, the sustained cold has been noticeable — particularly during morning commutes and evening hours when temperatures dip further.
For those planning outdoor activities around the city this week, layering remains the smart call. Parks along the Rideau River and the Canal pathway have seen fewer visitors than they typically would at this point in spring, with many Ottawans opting to wait for more comfortable conditions before fully embracing outdoor season.
When Will It Warm Up?
The good news: relief is on the way. Forecasters expect temperatures to begin tracking closer to seasonal averages in the coming days, with the warmer air gradually pushing back in from the southwest. By the weekend, Ottawa should be looking at conditions more typical of mid-May.
In the meantime, residents are advised to keep an eye on local weather updates, especially for early morning hours when the temperature drop is most pronounced. Overnight lows have been particularly cold, catching some off guard who assumed spring had firmly taken hold.
Spring on a Delay
This kind of late-season cold snap is not unheard of in Ottawa. The capital sits in a region where spring can be unpredictable, with warm stretches occasionally interrupted by bursts of cold air well into May. Gardeners in particular are being cautioned to hold off on planting frost-sensitive seedlings until the overnight temperatures stabilize more reliably above the freezing mark.
Local nurseries and garden centres have been fielding questions from eager Ottawans itching to get their hands in the soil, with most staff advising patience for at least another week or two.
For now, Ottawa's transition into full spring mode is taking its time — a reminder that the city's weather rarely follows a neat calendar schedule.
Source: CTV News Ottawa
