Ottawa is about to experience one of spring's most frustrating plot twists: a gorgeous, warm Monday followed by a treacherous, icy Tuesday.
Environment Canada's latest forecast is calling for sunny skies and a high of 15°C on Monday — the kind of day that makes you think winter is finally behind us. But don't put away your ice scrapers just yet. Temperatures are expected to nosedive overnight, hitting the freezing mark by Tuesday morning and bringing with them a prolonged period of freezing rain.
What to Expect
Freezing rain is arguably the most dangerous winter weather condition Ottawa faces. Unlike snow, which gives drivers and pedestrians some grip, freezing rain coats every surface — roads, sidewalks, driveways, tree branches, power lines — in a slick layer of ice with virtually no traction.
Environment Canada's special weather statement warns residents to prepare for icy conditions that could persist through much of Tuesday. The combination of warm daytime temperatures on Monday followed by a sharp overnight drop is a classic setup for freezing rain, as moisture in the air hits surfaces that are at or below 0°C.
Getting Around the City
If you can avoid travelling on Tuesday morning, that's your best bet. But for those who need to get to work or school, here's how to stay safe:
- Give yourself extra time. Icy roads mean slower speeds and longer stopping distances. What normally takes 20 minutes could take 45.
- Check OC Transpo alerts. Bus service can be delayed or rerouted during ice events. Check the OC Transpo app or website before heading out.
- Watch for black ice. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches of road freeze first — including popular Ottawa commuter routes like the Queensway on-ramps and the Champlain Bridge crossing.
- Dress for a fall. Sidewalks in Ottawa's older neighbourhoods can turn into skating rinks fast. Wear boots with good grip and consider using a walking stick or handrail wherever possible.
Power Outages Are Possible
Freezing rain is tough on infrastructure. Ice buildup on tree branches can cause them to snap onto power lines, and Ottawa has had its share of major ice storm outages over the years — most memorably the catastrophic ice storm of 1998. While Tuesday's event isn't expected to reach that scale, Hydro Ottawa customers should have an emergency kit ready just in case: flashlights, extra phone battery packs, and a plan if the heat goes out for a few hours.
The Silver Lining
The good news? Spring isn't giving up entirely. Temperatures are forecast to climb back above freezing later in the week, which means the ice should clear relatively quickly. In the meantime, enjoy Monday's warmth — maybe take a walk along the Rideau Canal or grab a patio coffee in the Glebe — and set your alarm a little earlier Tuesday to give yourself time to de-ice.
Stay safe out there, Ottawa.
Source: Ottawa Citizen / Environment Canada. Original story at ottawacitizen.com.
