Bundle Up Before the Easter Egg Hunt
Ottawa is in for a chilly surprise this Easter Monday, with forecasters calling for cooler-than-seasonal temperatures and a chance of flurries to close out the long weekend. If you were hoping spring had finally arrived for good, the sky has other plans.
While the first days of April have teased warmer conditions across the region, a cold snap is moving in just in time for the holiday. Residents and visitors spending Easter Monday outdoors — whether at family gatherings, local parks, or neighbourhood egg hunts — will want to dress in layers and keep an umbrella or light jacket within reach.
What to Expect
The flurry risk doesn't mean a full-on snowstorm, but it's enough to put a wintry spin on what's typically a transitional spring day. Temperatures are expected to sit below normal for early April, with the coolness being felt especially during the morning and early afternoon hours.
This kind of late-season weather flip is par for the course in Ottawa. The capital is well-known for its unpredictable spring transitions, where warm sunshine can give way to snow squalls within the same week — sometimes within the same afternoon.
Still Worth Getting Outside
Despite the cooler conditions, there's plenty happening around the city for Easter Monday. Many of Ottawa's green spaces, including the Rideau Canal pathway and parks throughout Centretown, the Glebe, and Westboro, remain great spots for a brisk walk. Just trade the shorts for a warm layer.
Families with young kids looking for indoor alternatives can check out some of the city's museums and attractions, many of which are open over the Easter weekend. The Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Science and Technology Museum are solid options for keeping little ones entertained while waiting for the flurries to pass.
A Reminder That Spring Takes Its Time
Ottawa's springs are famously slow to commit. While the calendar may say April, the weather often has a different timeline — and this Easter Monday is a good reminder to keep the winter coat somewhere accessible for a few more weeks yet.
Environment Canada is the go-to for up-to-date local forecasts. Check their Ottawa page before heading out to get the latest hour-by-hour outlook and any updated flurry warnings for the area.
Stay warm out there, Ottawa — spring is coming, just maybe not quite yet.
Source: CTV News Ottawa via Google News
